UU Threatlist Update (OP is outdated, see posts 12 and 13)

The UU threatlist desperately needs an update, so I went through the current threatlist and removed any Pokemon that were irrelevant to the metagame and added the Pokemon in the UU tier that were missing from the list, along with some perfectly viable Pokemon. Oh yeah, if you didn't notice, I'm rewriting everything because the threatlist is just that outdated.
For reference, here is what I changed:

Abomasnow
Base Stats: 90 HP / 92 Atk / 75 Def / 92 SpA / 85 SpD / 60 Spe
Abilities: Snow Warning / Soundproof
<p>Abomasnow is the only viable hail setter in UU, which gives it a unique niche. Hail support allows certain Pokemon such as Rotom-F and Walrein to become very effective and fulfill a role in hail that otherwise would leave them outclassed by other certain Pokemon. Thanks to some valuable resistances, Abomasnow resists the common Water and Electric attacks that can make it a decent check to common Pokemon such as Raikou and bulky waters. Abomasnow is no true slouch offensively, with decent 92 offenses and good offensive options that allow it to combat the previously mentioned threats while avoiding to become set-up bait. However, Abomasnow has 7 crippling weaknesses, which include the common Fire and Fighting attacks. Hail abusers don't have great synergy with Abomansow, stacking common weaknesses, and while defensive Pokemon can patch up some rough spots, there is usually not enough room to cover all threats. Despite these flaws, Abomasnow's immense support will make it a mandatory option for teams wanting to utilize the benefits of hail.</p>

Accelgor
Base Stats: 80 HP / 70 Atk / 40 Def / 100 SpA / 60 SpD / 145 Spe
Abilities: Hydration / Sticky Hold / Unburden
<p>Accelgor is most notable for its unmatched 145 base Speed and access to Spikes, which allow it to become a very good suicide spiker for offensive teams. Accelgor is no slouch offensively as well, with a decent 100 Special Attack that allow it to damage the opposition hard if needed. It also has some interesting movepool options, such as Final Gambit, which prevents the spinners from spinning away the spikes temporarily, and Yawn, which can force switches and allow Accelgor to get more layers of Spikes up. What keeps Accelgor from being a top threat is its fraility, which makes Accelgor relegated to the lead spot. Accelgor is a very effective Pokemon on its own merits, and it should always be considered when building an offensive team in UU.</p>

Aerodactyl
Base Stats: 80 HP / 105 Atk / 65 Def / 60 SpA / 75 SpD / 130 Spe
Abilities: Rock Head / Pressure / Unnerve
<p>Aerodactyl is most famous for using a suicide Stealth Rock set thanks to its very high 130 base Speed, and this makes it a decent option for offensive teams wanting Stealth Rock quickly. Aerodactyl also has access to Taunt, which can allow it to stop other common leads such as Azelf, from doing their job. Unfortunately for Aerodactyl, the positives end here. Aerodactyl has decent Attack, but it lacks sufficient power to break through anything notable. It also has relatively low defensive stats, which makes Aerodactyl hard to use outside of the lead spot. Despite these flaws, Aerodactyl still has its merits, and it is a decent option for any offensive team desperately needing Stealth Rock.</p>

Aggron
Base Stats: 70 HP / 110 Atk / 180 Def / 60 SpA / 60 SpD / 50 Spe
Abilities: Sturdy / Rock Head / Heavy Metal
<p>Aggron is a monster aesthetically and in battle. With access to STAB Head Smash as well as Rock Head to negate the awful recoil that would come with the move, Aggron is a powerhouse in the UU tier capable of smashing through the majority of the tier. Unfortunately for Aggron, it's weak to a numerous amount of common attacking types, including an awful x4 weakness to Fighting. Aggron is also relatively slow and lacks good Special Defense, which makes it suffer when up against many of UU's biggest threats. Despite having these major flaws, Aggron can pull its weight in UU matches and can wreak havoc if given the right support.</p>

Ambipom
Base Stats: 75 HP / 100 Atk / 66 Def / 60 SpA / 66 SpD / 115 Spe
Abilities: Pickup / Technician / Skill Link
<p>Ambipom seems decent at first glance; with a reasonable 100 Attack and a great 115 Speed, it seems like a capable offensive threat. That is not the case, as Ambipom is ridiculously predictable and is walled by any Pokemon with considerable bulk. Offensively, it faces heavy competition with Cinccino, who can hit harder thanks to Tail Slap and has nice utility in multi-hitting moves to break through Substitutes. Ambipom is also awful defensively, with poor 75 / 66 / 66 bulk that makes it hard to switch in. Although these are huge flaws, Ambipom still has a niche. Having access to a Technician boosted Fake Out and some moves Cinccino would love, such as Low Kick and Switcheroo, makes Ambipom not completely outclassed. Ambipom can still be a sufficient offensive threat against frailer offensive teams, which keeps it from becoming dead weight on a team. Use Ambipom to its advantages, or else it will play out as an inferior Cinccino.</p>

Amoonguss
Base Stats: 114 HP / 85 Atk / 70 Def / 85 SpA / 80 SpD / 30 Spe
Abilities: Effect Spore / Regenerator
<p>Amoonguss lacks like an average mushroom at first glance, but there is more than what meets the eye. Thanks to its access to Regenerator and the rare Spore, Amoonguss can stand out among other Grass types. Amoonguss also has valuable resistances to Fighting, Electric, and Water, along with a meaty 114 HP stat, which allows it to combat some of UU's biggest threats, such as Mienshao and Kingdra. Even though somewhat lackluster offenses and common weaknesses to Fire and Flying keep it from becoming a top tier Pokemon, Amoonguss can hold its own in UU, and it makes a good choice for any team needing its resistances.</p>

Arcanine
Base Stats: 90 HP / 110 Atk / 80 Def / 100 SpA / 90 SpD / 95 Spe
Abilities: Intimidate / Flash Fire / Justified
<p>Arcanine's good 110 Attack and excellent abilities in Intimidate and Flash Fire make it a very capable offensive threat in UU. Access to the vaunted ExtremeSpeed, along with other goodies such as Flare Blitz and Close Combat, makes Arcanine capable of distinguish itself from other physical Fire types such as Darmanitan and Victini. Intimidate gives Arcanine a buffer in defensive capabilities, making it surprisingly sturdy on the physical side. Unfortunately for Arcanine, it suffers from being weak to all forms of hazards, which can stack up plenty of damage when including Flare Blitz recoil. Arcanine has much to compete with Darmanitan and Victini; the former has much more power than Arcanine, while the latter can become extremely versatile from both sides of the offensive spectrum, making it capable of beating some annoying bulky waters that Arcanine would dream of destroying. Despite these flaws, Arcanine can pull its weight in UU matches, and it will not disappoint if given the right support.</p>

Azelf
Base Stats: 75 HP / 125 Atk / 70 Def / 125 SpA / 70 SpD / 115 Spe
Ability: Levitate
<p>Azelf's terrific offensive stats and great movepool options make it a powerful threat in UU. Azelf is best known for being a lead that can set up Stealth Rock or dual screens early game, which can be extremely beneficial for more offensive teams. Azelf also has access to Nasty Plot, which makes it an insanely threatening sweeper once set up. Even though Azelf is a fantastic offensive Pokemon, it suffers from being insanely frail, which makes it hard for it to set up a Nasty Plot or switch in without taking too much damage or trying to force out a Pokemon that will feel threatened. Despite these setbacks, Azelf is a very usable Pokemon that can fit on any offensive team wanting its fantastic support or sweeping potential.</p>

Azumarill
Base Stats: 100 HP / 50 Atk / 80 Def / 50 SpA / 80 SpD / 50 Spe
Abilities: Thick Fat / Huge Power / Sap Sipper
<p>Thanks to Huge Power doubling its Attack stat to be on the level of powerhouses like Rayquaza, Azumarill is among the most powerful physical attackers in the tier, along with being the best physical Water type in the tier. Azumarill makes a good Choice Band user, which truly showcases Azumarill's absolutely destructive potential. Priority Aqua Jet is another positive trait for Auzmarill, because while its relatively weak, Azumarill's titanic attack allows it to pick off frailer or weakened Pokemon. Unfortunately for Azumarill, it is relatively one-dimensional, making it easy to play around, while struggling to get past the big bulky Pokemon of the tier, such as Cofagrigus and Slowbro. Azumarill also suffers from being relatively slow, and while Aqua Jet can mitigate this somewhat, it will struggle to tank repeated hits. Azumarill should not to be underestimated, though, because it can be an offensive nuke when played right.</p>

Bisharp
Base Stats: 65 HP / 125 Atk / 100 Def / 60 SpA / 70 SpD / 70 Spe
Abilities: Inner Focus / Defiant / Pressure
<p>Bisharp stands out as one of the premier offensive Dark-types in the tier. This is all in part due to a coveted Steel typing that grants multiple set-up opportunities with Swords Dance and STAB Sucker Punch. Thanks to its high 125 Attack, Bisharp becomes lethal when set-up, and it can destroy much of the tier with its boosted attacks. Defiant is a good ability as well, making Intimidate users such as Qwilfish rendered set-up fodder. Unfortunately for Bisharp, its typing, while giving it some great resistances, allows Bisharp to become weak to the common Fighting, Fire, and Ground attacks that are thrown around the tier. Due to a lackluster 70 base speed, Bisharp relies on Sucker Punch a lot, which can be easily maneuvered around by a faster Fighting type or Substitute users. Bisharp can definitely work in this hostile metagame; it just needs the correct Pokemon out of the way before it can wreck the tier.</p>

Blastoise
Base Stats: 79 HP / 83 Atk / 100 Def / 85 SpA / 105 SpD / 78 Spe
Abilities: Torrent / Rain Dish
<p>Having access to the ever useful Rapid Spin gives Blastoise an edge over other bulky waters. Blastoise is the most reliable spinner in UU, having access to moves such as Foresight and Scald make it annoying for Ghost-types to spinblock against Blastoise. Blastoise is no set-up fodder either, with the aforementioned Scald as well as phazing moves in Roar and Dragon Tail. Even though it is the best Rapid Spin user, Blastoise is a relatively mediocre Water-type. Its competitors have overall much better bulk and various advantages that makes Blastoise less than stellar when needing a bulky water. Blastoise is a momentum killer for offensive teams, and it usually will not be a good fit for offensive teams. If you desperately need Rapid Spin support, Blastoise will usually be your best choice for the job.</p>

Bronzong
Base Stats: 67 HP / 89 Atk / 116 Def / 79 SpA / 116 SpD / 33 Spe
Abilities: Levitate / Heatproof / Heavy Metal
<p>Bronzong's 116 defenses and plethora of resistances and immunities make it a good defensive Pokemon that can take on some incredibly threatening Pokemon, such as Flygon, Weavile, and Choice Band Snorlax. Due to its great defenses and amount of opportunities to switch into a threatening Pokemon, this allows Bronzong to get up Stealth Rock with relative ease. Bronzong also has some great movepool options, such as dual screens and Trick Room. Unfortunately for Bronzong, it lacks any form of reliable recovery, which means that repeated hits will wither down it easily. Bronzong also suffers from having relatively low offensive prowess as well as pitiful speed, and while Gyro Ball can somewhat migitate these flaws, it can become set-up fodder for dangerous Pokemon such as SubRoost Zapdos and Calm Mind Suicune. Although these flaws are apparent, Bronzong can perform well if you need its resistances and a good Stealth Rock setter.</p>

Chandelure
Base Stats: 60 HP / 55 Atk / 90 Def / 145 SpA / 90 SpD / 80 Spe
Abilities: Flash Fire / Flame Body / Shadow Tag (Unreleased)
<p>Chandelure stands out as among the strongest Pokemon in UU, thanks to its absolutely ridiculous 145 Special Attack. Chandelure's most threatening sets are its SubSplit and Choice Specs sets, which showcase how truly powerful Chandelure is by destroying the majority of the tier with its STABs. Chandelure can solve its somewhat middling speed by using a Choice Scarf set, which makes Chandelure somewhat of an effective revenge killer that can sweep once annoying Pokemon such as bulky waters and Snorlax are out of the way. It can even cripple one of its premier switch-ins, Snorlax, with Will-O-Wisp and effectively cripple it. Unfortunately for Chandelure, Snorlax, one of its only counters, is ridiculously popular, which can Pursuit trap all but the Will-O-Wisp set and effectively put it into a checkmate position. Chandelure has trouble switching into strong attacks because of average bulk, relatively mediocre speed without Choice Scarf, and common weaknesses to Ground and Water attacks. Do not underestimate Chandelure, because doing so is a foolish mistake that could lead to your demise against it.</p>

Cinccino
Base Stats: 75 HP / 95 Atk / 60 Def / 65 SpA / 60 SpD / 115 Spe
Abilities: Cute Charm / Technician / Skill Link
<p>Thanks to Skill Link, Cinccino has the potential to be a major threat to any team with its multiple-hitting moves that can break through Focus Sash. Cinccino's excellent 115 Speed, along with a decent 95 Attack, keep Cinccino from being a flawed offensive Pokemon. Cinccino does suffer from a lack of good movepool options, though, lacking any way of damaging the Steel types of the tier. While Cinccino may be an excellent offensive threat, the same cannot be said about its defensive capabilities, as Cinccino has among the worst defenses in UU. Even with these flaws, Cinccino is a very capable Pokemon, and it should never be underestimated.</p>

Claydol
Base Stats: 60 HP / 70 Atk / 105 Def / 70 SpA / 120 SpD / 75 Spe
Ability: Levitate
<p>Claydol main niche in the UU tier lies in having the treasured Rapid Spin, but it is not a good user of the move. Claydol suffers from extremely low offensive prowess, which means it will struggle massively to get through any of the Ghost-types in the tier. This makes Claydol a very poor spinner in the tier, and by far the most unreliable. Claydol, despite having excellent 60 / 105 / 120 defenses, has many crippling weaknesses to Dark, Bug, Ghost, Ice, and Water attacks, which makes it even mediocre defensively. Even though Claydol has some redeeming factors in resistances to all hazards as well as an Electric immunity, do consider Blastoise, a much better spinner, than Claydol when looking for Rapid Spin support.</p>

Cobalion
Base Stats: 91 HP / 90 Atk / 129 Def / 90 SpA / 72 SpD / 108 Spe
Ability: Justified
<p>Cobalion can stand out from other Fighting-types with its great 108 base Speed and unique typing that grants it a x4 resistance to Stealth Rock as well as a good slew of resistances. This makes Cobalion a very usable Swords Dance sweeper, which can mitigate its somewhat lackluster attack to very sweepable levels. Thanks to a usable 90 base Special Attack, Cobalion can run Hidden Power Ice for Gligar on the Swords Dance set, as well as becoming a viable Calm Mind attacker. Cobalion also has access to some interesting supportive moves, such as Stealth Rock and Volt Switch. Combine that with a high 129 base defense, and Cobalion can perform a defensive role very well. Although Cobalion suffers from being weak to Fighting attacks as well as having weak Special Defense, it is a capable threat and supporter that can fit on a good variety of teams when played correctly.</p>

Cofagrigus
Base Stats: 58 HP / 50 Atk / 145 Def / 95 SpA / 105 SpD / 30 Spe
Ability: Mummy
<p>Cofagrigus has become a common sight in UU thanks to the influx of Fighting-types in the tier, which makes it a popular choice for teams. Thanks to a high 145 Defense and good 95 Special Attack, Cofagrigus can switch into all Fighting types with the exception being Scrafty and become threatening by using an offensive Trick Room set. Offensive Trick Room Cofagrigus can turn the tides of a battle by setting up Trick Room and a Nasty Plot, creating a potential threat that can do major damage. It gets perfect coverage with Shadow Ball and Hidden Power Fighting, making it tough to wall as well. Cofagrigus suffers from a few flaws that prevent it from completely dominating the metagame, though. Despite having a decent 105 Special Defense, that is offset by a low 58 HP stat, which gives Cofagrigus problems when up against special attackers. Cofagrigus lacks any form of reliable recovery, making it vulnerable to being worn down constantly. Even with these flaws, Cofagrigus can perform exceptionally well on a whole variety of teams, and it is among the best Ghost types in the tier.</p>

Cresselia
Base Stats: 120 HP / 70 Atk / 120 Def / 75 SpA / 130 SpD / 85 Spe
Ability: Levitate
<p>Cresselia is among the most sturdy defensive behemoths of the tier. With great 120 / 120 / 130 bulk, Cresselia is able to stomach a huge number of attacks that UU has to offer. Cresselia has some great movepool options as well, such as Thunder Wave and dual screens, that make it a brilliant supporter for all teams alike. Thanks to Moonlight, Cresselia has a decent recovery move that is only nerfed in hail, which is relatively uncommon. While Cresselia has amazing bulk, it has relatively low offensive prowess, which makes it fail to do much back apart from paralyzing Pokemon. Cresselia's typing, while it does offer a valuable resistance to Fighting, gives it weaknesses to Ghost, Dark, and Bug attacks that are nowhere close to obscure. Although these flaws are somewhat major, Cresselia's amazing bulk and support should not be neglected, and it is among the best defensive Pokemon in the tier.</p>

Crobat
Base Stats: 85 HP / 90 Atk / 80 Def / 70 SpA / 80 SpD / 130 Spe
Abilities: Inner Focus / Infiltrator
<p>Crobat's unique typing gives it great resistances to Fighting, Grass, and Bug, making it a very good switch-in to the main attacks of Scrafty, Shaymin, Heracross, and Yanmega. Thanks to its base 130 speed as well as having access to moves such as Roost and Taunt, Crobat can perform the role of a Stallbreaker very well. Crobat is no slouch offensively, as access to Brave Bird and a decent 90 Attack that makes it a good candidate for a Choice Band set. Crobat can also get out of an unfavorable situation via through U-turn, which can help gain momentum for your team. Crobat does suffer from some flaws, though. A Stealth Rock weakness is never good for a Pokemon that needs to switch into the aforementioned threats, and this can cause Crobat to be knocked into KO range of Choice Scarf Heracross's Stone Edge as well as Shaymin's Psychic. Even though that flaw may make Crobat a flawed Pokemon in a certain aspect, its unique traits make it a great asset for any UU team wanting its great resistances.</p>

Crustle
Base Stats: 70 HP / 95 Atk / 125 Def / 65 SpA / 75 SpD / 45 Spe
Abilities: Sturdy / Shell Armor / Weak Armor
<p>Crustle's niche lies in that is one of the better suicide lead hazard setters in UU. Thanks to Sturdy acting like a pseudo Focus Sash, Crustle can activate a Custap Berry and easily get up at least Stealth Rock and one layer of Spikes. Crustle is no slouch offensively, as it is capable of threatening some annoying Pokemon such as Crobat and Xatu, which both can be a hinderance towards hazard stacking. Unfortunately for Crustle, it lacks any way of threatening the spinners of the tier, excluding Claydol, making it relatively easy to beat one on one. Crustle can pull its weight on offensive teams needing a good hazard setter, and it makes a decent choice for any team wanting its valuable support.</p>

Darmanitan
Base Stats: 105 HP / 140 Atk / 55 Def / 30 SpA / 55 SpD / 95 Spe
Abilities: Sheer Force / Zen Mode
<p>Darmanitan is simply a nuke that can easily wreck the majority of the tier. Thanks to Sheer Force and a gigantic 140 Attack, Darmanitan's Life Orb Flare Blitz is among the strongest attacks in UU, which allows it break through anything that doesn't resist and have good defense easily. Choice Scarf Darmanitan also performs relatively well, being able to clean up weakened teams with Flare Blitz, while sitting comfortably ahead of Heracross and Krookodile. Darmanitan's access to U-turn allows to escape out of an incredibly unfavorable situation, which can be useful for gaining momentum. Darmanitan does have some flaws, though. 105 / 55 / 55 bulk is relatively poor, which can make Darmanitan hard to switch in. Another thing that hinders Darmanitan's switch-in opportunities is a weakness to Stealth Rock, which along with Flare Blitz recoil, makes Darmanitan easy to wear down. Even though it has one of the most powerful attacks in the tier, Darmanitan also suffers from the popularity of bulky waters such as Slowbro and Swampert, both of which can easily tank one of Darmanitan's powerful hits and KO back. Thankfully, the pros outweigh the cons, as Darmanitan is among UU's best offensive Pokemon.</p>

Druddigon
Base Stats: 77 HP / 120 Atk / 90 Def / 60 SpA / 90 SpD / 48 Spe
Abilities: Rough Skin / Sheer Force / Mold Breaker
<p>Druddigon is one of the few viable Dragon types in UU, and it can perform excellently in the tier. Thanks to a monster 120 Attack, Druddigon is the strongest Dragon in the tier, making it a beastly Choice Band user. No Pokemon in the UU tier can safely switch into Druddigon without taking major damage because of its absolutely destructive nature; even Bronzong, the nemesis for Flygon, which is Druddigon's major competition, cannot handle Druddigon because of Mold Breaker Earthquake. Druddigon can even go a more defensive route and become a reliable Stealth Rock setter while being able to spread paralysis with Glare, while effectively combating the physical Fire-types of the tier courtesy of its typing. Druddigon does suffers from being relatively slow, which can put Druddigon at a disadvantage when up against faster walls with recovery while also lacking reliable recovery itself, which makes Druddigon fail to take repeated hits over and over again. Heavy reliance on Outrage to do damage can sometimes lead to Druddigon's demise because of confusion, as well as making it easier to revenge kill because it is locked in. However, these flaws are mitigated by Druddigon's numerous positive traits that make it a Pokemon to watch out for in UU.</p>

Durant
Base Stats: 58 HP / 109 Atk / 112 Def / 48 SpA / 48 SpD / 109 Spe
Abilities: Swarm / Hustle / Truant
<p>Durant's numerous positive traits, such as its Hustle boosted 109 Attack and excellent 109 Speed, make it a Pokemon to watch out for. Thanks to Hone Claws, Durant can negate the drop in accuracy that Hustle brings along, while suddenly becoming a substantial threat. Choice Band Durant is another very viable set, allowing Durant to not feel forced to set up and wreck a good portion of the tier with its Hustle boosted attacks. However, every Pokemon is with flaws, and Durant is no exception. Durant has absolutely pitiful special bulk and a low 58 HP stat. This makes Durant extremely hard to switch in and set up against the majority of offensive Pokemon. Hustle can simply backfire on Durant, as the 20% drop in accuracy of each move can come at the wrong time when lacking a Hone Claws boost. Durant also suffers from four moveslot syndrome, having to choose between Iron Head, which KOs standard Nidoqueen after a boost while 2HKOing Gligar, and Superpower, which hits the majority of the Steel types in the tier. Durant, when used correctly, can definitely sweep when the right Pokemon are out of the way.</p>

Dusclops
Base Stats: 40 HP / 70 Atk / 130 Def / 60 SpA / 130 SpD / 25 Spe
Ability: Pressure
<p>Dusclops suffers from many fatal flaws that leave it outclassed by Cofagrigus and other Ghost types, which are better fits on a majority of teams. Despite having titantic defenses thanks to Eviolite, Dusclops is mediocre because it fails to threaten much with its pathetic offenses, having to rely on Night Shade to do any damage to the opposition. However, Dusclops can fit on full stall teams, in which it can Curse to make Blastoise and Hitmontop from spinning away Spikes while making the spinners take a considerable amount of damage. If you are in the mood to build a UU team that isn't based around stall, consider Cofagrigus or Sableye before Dusclops, as they have more redeeming factors that make them much more fit on the majority of teams compared to Dusclops.</p>

Eelektross
Base Stats: 85 HP / 115 Atk / 80 Def / 105 SpA / 80 SpD / 50 Spe
Ability: Levitate
<p>Eelektross may initially look outclassed by the other two common Electric-types in Raikou and Zapdos, both of which are more powerful and much faster. But Eelektross has its perks that give it a decent niche in the tier. Both Raikou and Zapdos lack the amazing coverage Eelektross gets, which gives Eelektross a niche as an offensive Electric. Eelektross also has no weaknesses, thanks to Levitate, so it must be hit by strong neutral hits to go down. Eelektross also can attack from the physical side and set up Coils to become a threatening force, while the common Electric types fail to use their attack stat to any successful potential. While Eelektross may look like a force to be reckoned with, there is a reason why it isn't as common as Raikou and Zapdos. Eelektross is painfully slow, which means it will usually take a hit before retaliating, which can make the eel go down much quicker. Eelektross also lacks reliable recovery, which can lead to its downfall because of failure to take repeated hits. All in all, though, Eelektross is definitely a unique Electric type that's positive traits make it worth using on teams.</p>

Empoleon
Base Stats: 84 HP / 86 Atk / 88 Def / 111 SpA / 101 SpD / 60 Spe
Abilities: Torrent / Defiant
<p>Empoleon's unique Water / Steel typing gives it a plethora of resistances, while a 111 Special Attack can make Empoleon a very formidable offensive threat. Thanks to BW2, Empoleon can finally run its classic SubPetaya set with Agility, which can become a formidable sweeper once hit full potential with its +1 Torrent boosted attacks. Empoleon can use its slew of resistances to good use with a specially defensive set capable of easily beating all variants of Kingdra, a rare feat, as well as set up the valuable Stealth Rock. If you want a powerful Empoleon right off the bat with no set up, Choice Specs Empoleon is the set you should be using. Empoleon's true power is showcased here, as offensive Snorlax and defensive Porygon2 are cleanly 2HKOed by Hydro Pump, while Umbreon has a high chance to get 2HKOed after Stealth Rock. Even though there are plenty of positive traits about Empoleon, it does suffer from its fair share of flaws. Empoleon's Steel typing, while granting it great resistances, also gives it a weakness to the common Fighting and Ground attacks, while also being neutral to Fire attacks. Agility Empoleon is sometimes still too slow to do its work, as Choice Scarf Mienshao, the most common scarfer, still will outspeed +2 Empoleon and KO with Hi Jump Kick. Empoleon also lacks reliable recovery, which can be troublesome for the defensive set when relying on taking multiple hits. While Empoleon may not be the best bulky water or offensive attacker, its unique traits allow it to shine when necessary.</p>

Escavalier
Base Stats: 70 HP / 135 Atk / 105 Def / 60 SpA / 105 SpD / 20 Spe
Abilities: Swarm / Shell Armor / Overcoat
<p>Escavalier's titantic 135 Attack, along with good 70 / 105 / 105 defenses and a great Steel / Bug typing makes it a threat to watch out for in any UU match. These numerous positive traits make Escavalier a brilliant nuke with a Choice Band STAB Megahorn and Iron Head, while being able to combat some extremely relevant threats, such as Weavile and Shaymin. Escavalier can perform a defensive role as well, courtesy of its numerous resistances and great bulk that makes it shine when combating numerous amounts of Pokemon relevant in UU. Even though Escavalier may look like an unstoppable force, it is most certainly not. Due to a ridiculously low 20 base speed that is lower than notoriously slow Pokemon such as Slowbro and Snorlax, Escavalier suffers greatly when up against powerful threat. Escavalier also suffers from a lack of a good movepool, making it potential set up fodder for threatening Pokemon such as Chandelure and Cobalion. In spite of these fatal flaws, Escavalier is still a relevant threat that should never be underestimated, as doing so is not a smart move that could leave you a Pokemon down.</p>

Ferroseed
Base Stats: 44 HP / 50 Atk / 91 Def / 24 SpA / 86 SpD / 10 Spe
Ability: Iron Barbs
<p>Ferroseed looks pathetic at first glance; with extremely poor stats across the board, it looks like a Pokemon never worth using. But with Eviolite equipped, Ferroseed can turn into a surprisingly durable Pokemon that can combat many relevant threats. Thanks to a Grass / Steel typing, Ferroseed is capable of handling some highly relevant threats, such as Rain Dance Kingdra and Grass types. Ferroseed, like its evolution in OU, has several great utility moves that many Pokemon lack, such as Spikes, Thunder Wave, and Leech Seed. Ferroseed does suffer from many fatal flaws that keep it from being a top tier defensive threat. For starters, Ferroseed is absolutely pathetic offensively, making it potential set-up fodder for Substitute + Dragon Dance Kingdra and Substitute + Calm Mind Raikou. While Ferroseed has great resistances to work with, it also trades in for nasty weaknesses to the common Fire and Fighting attacks. Despite these flaws, if you use Ferroseed correctly, it will shine at what it does best.</p>

Flygon
Base Stats: 80 HP / 100 Atk / 80 Def / 80 SpA / 80 SpD / 100 Spe
Ability: Levitate
<p>Flygon is one of the few viable Dragons in UU, and it makes its mark in UU as one of the best offensive threats. Thanks to a great STAB combination only resisted by Bronzong in UU, Flygon can threaten a wide variety of Pokemon in UU with its Choice Band boosted attacks. Resistance to all hazards due to Levitate and a Ground typing makes Flygon one of the few Pokemon that is not worn down easily by hazards. Flygon is also a cut above a whole slew of Pokemon with a base 100 Speed that allows it to outspeed Darmanitan, Roserade, and neutral Kingdra. This can also make Flygon a decent candidate for a classic Choice Scarf set. While it may not be an best option for a Choice Scarf user, it has its advantages over Mienshao because of its overall better bulk and unique resistances and immunities. Despite these fantastic traits, Flygon has its drawbacks. Flygon's bulk is rather average, as 80 / 80 / 80 bulk gives Flygon trouble switching into powerful threats. While Flygon has a great STAB combination and an immunity to Electric courtesy of its typing, having a x4 weakness to Ice can mean the demise of Flygon at times, especially when needing to switch into Electrics only to get destroyed by Hidden Power Ice. Flygon also lacks any way of boosting its stats outside of Hone Claws, which Kingdra can do so with Dragon Dance, so it faces competition in that regard. Nonetheless, Flygon remains a top tier threat to watch out for.</p>

Gallade
Base Stats: 68 HP / 125 Atk / 65 Def / 65 SpA / 115 SpD / 80 Spe
Abilities: Steadfast / Justified
<p>Gallade may look helplessly outclassed by the other common Fighting types, but it does have a flew tricks up its sleeves that can help distinguish it from its competition. Firstly, Gallade has access to a secondary Psychic STAB, which is useful considering the rise of popularity of Poison types in UU that will get destroyed by Gallade's Psycho Cut. This makes Gallade a fearsome Swords Dance attacker capable of destroying many things that other Fighting types struggle with the appropriate move. For example, Gligar is OHKOed by a +2 Ice Punch, while Cofagrigus is 2HKOed by +2 Psycho Cut, and thanks to Gallade's good Special Defense, it can take a Shadow Ball and retaliate with another Psycho Cut. However, Gallade is not without its flaws. Gallade is has mediocre speed and frail on the physical side, making it suspectible to being easily revenge killed. Gallade also suffers from four move slot syndrome, as it must choose between Ice Punch or Night Slash to hit whatever it feels necessary to hit, leaving a hole in its coverage. Despite these flaws, Gallade can shine when used correctly, and it has the potential to become a very scary threat when set up.</p>

Galvantula
Base Stats: 70 HP / 77 Atk / 60 Def / 97 SpA / 60 SpD / 108 Spe
Abilities: Compoundeyes / Unnerve / Swarm
<p>Galvantula seems purely outclasssed at first glance, considering Raikou and Zapdos have higher Special Attack and much better bulk. But Galvantula overall better coverage than both Raikou and Zapdos, with STAB Bug Buzz to hit Shaymin and Psychic types, Giga Drain to hit Rhyperior and Swampert for massive damage, the two biggest pains to Raikou and Zapdos, and Hidden Power Ice to smack Gligar and Flygon. Galvantula also has access to Compoundeyes Thunder, which hits harder than a Life Orb Zapdos Thunderbolt given the higher base power. Galvantula is also much faster than Eelektross, an Electric that also has excellent coverage, and in general, Galvantula sits a cut above a whole slew of Pokemon, including Mienshao and Zapdos. Bulk is Galvantula's biggest problem, as 70 / 60 / 60 bulk is absolutely dreadful that will cause Galvantula to fold to any remotely powerful attack, while Raikou and Zapdos can take stronger hits if necessary. This makes Galvantula somewhat harder to use than Raikou and Zapdos due to the lack of good bulk, but its excellent traits allow Galvantula to avoid obscurity and be a relevant threat in UU.</p>

Gligar
Base Stats: 65 HP / 75 Atk / 105 Def / 35 SpA / 65 SpD / 85 Spe
Abilities: Hyper Cutter / Sand Veil / Immunity
<p>Gligar's rise to fame is its ability to combat a number of the common Fighting types in the tier courtesy of a Ground / Flying typing as well as high physical bulk. Gligar is ridiculously bulky on the physical side thanks to Eviolite, allowing it to comfortably take a wide variety of physical hits and Roost off any damage as well as provide Stealth Rock support. This may all seem extremely appealing, but Gligar has many flaws that make it a subpar choice when looking to combat Fighting types. First, Gligar will lose to the Fighting types its supposed to beat when up against Swords Dance Heracross, which can easily set up to +6 on Gligar, and Mienshao, which destroys Gligar with Hidden Power Ice or take advantage of its presence by U-turn or Baton Passing a Substitute to a Pokemon that can threaten Gligar. Gligar is not a hard Pokemon to deal with, either, due to its low offenses that make it relatively easy to take advantage of. Harping on Gligar's low Special Defense is another way of dealing with it, as powerful special attackers such as Shaymin and Yanmega can destroy Gligar with their STAB attacks. If you desperately need something to take physical hits while setting Stealth Rock, Gligar can work in those situations, but keep in mind that it will often not be the best Pokemon to use as your physical wall because its numerous flaws make it a mediocre Pokemon.</p>

Golurk
Base Stats: 89 HP / 124 Atk / 80 Def / 55 SpA / 80 Def / 55 Spe
Abilities: Iron Fist / Klutz / No Guard
<p>Golurk benefited plenty from BW2, gaining Stealth Rock and the elemental punches, while also benefiting from the rise of Fighting types. Golurk's unique Ground / Ghost typing and decent bulk allows it to handle Heracross and Mienshao as well as check Electric types, while also putting offensive pressure through its high 124 Attack. These positive traits allow Golurk to be a valuable team supporter. Golurk does suffer, though, from having weaknesses to Water, Grass, Ice, and Dark attacks, while lacking any reliable recovery, which can make Golurk get withered down throughout the match. Golurk is also very slow, and while it does have decent bulk, it is not a great defensive titan like Cresselia, so it is bound to falter to strong attacks. Even though it may not be the best Pokemon to combat Fighting types, Golurk has some excellent traits that make it a great Pokemon to be on your team if its support is needed.</p>

Gorebyss
Base Stats: 55 HP / 84 Atk / 105 Def / 114 SpA / 75 SpD / 52 Spe
Abilities: Swift Swim / Hydration
<p>Gorebyss is only one of three Pokemon that has the combination of Shell Smash, the best boosting move in the game due to its +2 increase in Attack, Special Attack, and Speed, and Baton Pass, which can give a powerhouse of the tier to shine because of its increased offensive stats. Gorebyss's main draw over Smeargle, its main SmashPass competitor, is more offensive prowess, which allows Gorebyss to threaten anything if needed thanks to its high 114 Special Attack. Gorebyss's downfall is that it is still slow after a Shell Smash boost, allowing Pokemon like Choice Scarf Mienshao to KO it if it has taken any prior damage. Smeargle has great perks over Gorebyss as well, primarily better speed and most importantly, Spore. SmashPass may not be as popular or threatening as it once was in BW, but Gorebyss still makes a very viable user of the deadly combination and is definitely something to watch out for.</p>

Heracross
Base Stats: 80 HP / 125 Atk / 75 Def / 40 SpA / 95 SpD / 85 Spe
Abilities: Guts / Swarm / Moxie
<p>Heracross is one of the defining, if not the defining, Pokemon in UU. With a toy gained from BW2 in Moxie along with a high base 125 Attack, Choice Scarf Heracross is among the best late game cleaners of the tier. With access to a Bug STAB in Megahorn, Heracross can heavily damage Slowbro, which is a thorn to the majority of other common Fighting-types. It isn't exactly one dimensional either; a Swords Dance set can easily set up on common Choice Scarf Heracross counters, such as Gligar, while a Choice Band set can do massive damage to the majority of the tier. Unfortunately for Heracross, the metagame has molded so there are many common answers for Heracross, especially the Choice Scarf set. Heracross also suffers from being slower than a good number of offensive Pokemon when lacking a Choice Scarf, which can be troubling since Heracross has somewhat average bulk. Always consider multiple answers for Heracross when building a UU team, as it is among the best offensive Pokemon in the tier.</p>

Hitmonlee
Base Stats: 50 HP / 120 Atk / 53 Def / 35 SpA / 110 SpD / 87 Spe
Abilities: Limber / Reckless / Unburden
<p>Hitmonlee seems outclassed at first glance, due to the other Fighting types having more defined niches compared to Hitmonlee. Hitmonlee does have a unique niche though, as it can become a Reversal sweeper thanks to Endure and an excellent ability in Unburden, which will activate after a Liechi Berry boost, making Hitmonlee a fearsome sweeper capable of wiping the floor with opposing teams. Unfortunately for Hitmonlee, the metagame is somewhat hostile with many common answers to Fighting types in Cofagrigus and Slowbro, which gives Hitmonlee headaches. Hitmonlee has a unique niche that when used properly, can give headaches for the opposing team.</p>

Hitmontop
Base Stats: 50 HP / 95 Atk / 95 Def / 35 SpA / 110 SpD / 70 Spe
Abilities: Intimidate / Technician / Steadfast
<p>Hitmontop has access to the vaunted Rapid Spin that gives it a decent niche in UU. Thanks to Intimidate and overall decent defenses, Hitmontop does have a good amount of switch in opportunities to spin away hazards. While Hitmontop does struggle against the majority of Ghost types in the tier, if it can catch them on the switch with Foresight, it can manage a spin off. Hitmontop is not without flaws, and there are many flaws that make Hitmontop not as good as it seems. Without Foresight, Hitmontop loses to all Ghost types in the tier, and the move is practically dedicated for Ghost types without any other benefits. Hitmontop will often not fit on offensive teams because of how it kills momentum, and it will commonly a liability more so than any true benefit. Nonetheless, Hitmontop is a viable choice if you desperately need a spinner and if Blastoise, the better spinner of the two, has conflicting type synergy with your other Pokemon.</p>

Honchkrow
Base Stats: 100 HP / 125 Atk / 52 Def / 105 SpA / 52 SpD / 71 Spe
Abilities: Insomnia / Super Luck / Moxie
<p>Honchkrow is a terrific offensive Pokemon, thanks to its high offensive stats along with an excellent ability in Moxie. With access to STAB Sucker Punch as well as a powerful Brave Bird, Honchkrow can hit like a truck as well as sweep offensive teams when obtaining Moxie boosts. Honchkrow's movepool options have widened since BW2, giving it Superpower and Heat Wave along with Moxie, making it even harder to wall. Although this pimping bird may look unstoppable, it is not without any flaws. Honchkrow suffers from being relatively frail, having 100 / 52 / 52 defenses that make it struggle massively to take any powerful attack in the tier. Like most other Pokemon with Sucker Punch, Honchkrow is heavily reliant on the move, as its lackluster 71 Speed makes it needy on using Sucker Punch. This can be problematic when against relatively bulky Pokemon that are faster, like Zapdos, or resist Sucker Punch and can KO back, like Heracross. The key against Honchkrow is to not allow it to get that first Moxie boost, or else it will have a snowball effect that can ultimately sweep weakened teams.</p>

Houndoom
Base Stats: 75 HP / 90 Atk / 50 Def / 110 SpA / 80 SpD / 95 Spe
Abilities: Early Bird / Flash Fire / Unnerve
<p>Houndoom has some niches that don't allow it to hit an obscure level. Houndoom's main positive is its typing and Flash Fire, which allows it to take Chandelure's STAB attacks as well as beat Psychic types and Pursuit trap them. Houndoom has good offensive stats, with 90 / 110 / 95 offenses being above average in the tier. This makes Houndoom a good candidate for a mixed set, in which it can play mind games with opponents with Sucker Punch and Pursuit. Houndoom is also still a viable Nasty Plot sweeper, which bolsters its Special Attack to relatively high levels. Houndoom's downfalls are that it is weak to the most common attacks in the tier, such as Fighting and Ground. Houndoom is also relatively frail, which makes it hard to take any remotely powerful attack. While Houndoom is in no means slow, its 95 speed sometimes will not pull its weight in the tier, failing to outspeed Mienshao and Flygon. As a Chandelure killer and Pursuit trapper, Houndoom has to compete with Snorlax, who also can take Chandelure's STABs, but unlike Houndoom, has much better special bulk which allows it to beat Chandelure effortlessly, while Houndoom can die to a Hidden Power Fighting from Chandelure. Houndoom may not be very good in this current metagame because of numerous flaws, but its unique niches are something that players may desire when building a team.</p>

Kabutops
Base Stats: 60 HP / 115 Atk / 105 Def / 65 SpA / 70 SpD / 80 Spe
Abilities: Swift Swim / Battle Armor / Weak Armor
<p>Kabutops is a rarity in that it is capable of being an offensive spinner in UU, while the other three common spinners gear towards defense. Kabutops is capable of destroying all Ghost types after a Swords Dance boost, which is a plus going in its favor. For example, offensive Trick Room Cofagrigus is OHKOed by a +2 Life Orb Stone Edge after Stealth Rock, while Chandelure is maimed by a +2 Aqua Jet. Speaking of Aqua Jet, it allows Kabutops to not be easily revenge killed after beating a Ghost type, being able to have a guaranteed OHKO on Mienshao with a +2 Life Orb Aqua Jet. If Kabutops is fortunate enough to switch into a physical attack it can easily live, it can take advantage of a Weak Armor boost that makes it hard to revenge kill with things that would normally take a +2 Aqua Jet, such as Shaymin, Raikou, and Mew, all of which get destroyed by a +2 Stone Edge. Kabutops's main flaw is its bulk and typing, as 60 / 105 / 70 bulk as well as common weaknesses to Grass, Fighting, and Electric make it hard for Kabutops to come into any hit that it doesn't resist. Kabutops also sits at a mediocre 80 base Speed, which can make Kabutops reliant on getting a Weak Armor boost to avoid getting revenge killed and getting off a spin. This can eschew players from going with Kabutops because of its trouble coming in and reliance on a Weak Armor boost. Although these flaws are major, if you so desire to have an offensive spinner instead of a defensive one, Kabutops can be a very capable spinner.</p>

Kingdra
Base Stats: 75 HP / 95 Atk / 95 Def / 95 SpA / 95 SpD / 85 Spe
Abilities: Swift Swim / Sniper / Damp
<p>Kingdra is among the best Pokemon in UU, thanks to its unique Water / Dragon typing that gives it only one weakness as well as a destructive STAB combination. Kingdra's well balanced offensive stats allow it to perform on the physical and special attacking spectrum. This only makes Empoleon and Slowking the only fail safe counters to Kingdra in the tier due its incredible versatility. Kingdra's Substitute + Dragon Dance set can set up on many Pokemon due to its great resistances while avoiding status that Kingdra despises. Thanks to Dragon Dance and good STAB combination, Kingdra will be able to dent a Pokemon heavily with its STAB Outrage or Waterfall. Kingdra can also perform a deadly Rain Dance sweeper set, which destroys the majority of the tier with its rain boosted Hydro Pumps while easily outspeeding everything in the tier, including Choice Scarf Mienshao. Kingdra's other options include an offensive Dragon Dance set that can reach even higher potential than the Substitute + Dragon Dance set with a potential double boost with Rain Dance or hitting Slowbro hard with a Draco Meteor, a Choice Specs set that hits immensely hard even without rain support, and a ChestoRest set that can rest off annoying status that can cripple Kingdra while increasing longevity. Kingdra's phenomenal traits make it a Pokemon that is well deserving of being among the best Pokemon in the tier that is key to watch out for.</p>

Krookodile
Base Stats: 95 HP / 117 Atk / 70 Def / 65 SpA / 75 SpD / 92 Spe
Abilities: Intimidate / Moxie / Anger Point
<p>Thanks to Moxie and relatively good attacking stats, Krookodile can perform very well as a revenge killer and a possible cleaner. Krookodile has access to Pursuit as well, which helps put Pokemon such as Azelf and Chandelure in a checkmate situation. However Krookodile has its flaws. The metagame is very hostile towards Krookodile, with a ridiculous popularity of Choice Scarf Mienshao and Heracross, both of which can destroy Krookodile with their STAB moves, and in Heracross's case, resist both STABs and give Krookodile competition as a Moxie cleaner. Krookodile also lacks good bulk and typing, with plenty of common weaknesses as well as having a tough time switching into any remotely strong hit. Even with a Moxie boost, Krookodile sometimes lacks sufficient power to truly sweep teams that have somewhat relatively bulky Pokemon, even if there is no hard counter to Krookodile on the opposing team. Despite these flaws, Krookodile can perform excellently when given the right situation.</p>

Lilligant
Base Stats: 70 HP / 60 Atk / 75 Def / 110 SpA / 75 SpD / 90 Spe
Abilities: Chlorophyll / Own Tempo / Leaf Guard
<p>Lilligant's main draw over other Grass types is its access to the rare Quiver Dance, an excellent boosting move that makes Lilligant an incredible threat after a boost or two. Lilligant also has Sleep Powder to put something to sleep to increase the ease of setting up several Quiver Dances. Lilligant can even opt for the raw power that Petal Dance offers over a reliable STAB in Giga Drain, and because of Own Tempo, Lilligant will not get confused after the sequence ends. There are plenty of drawbacks to Lilligant though. Lilligant has very limited coverage, and it is forced to choose between Hidden Power Rock, which hits Chandelure, Crobat, and Zapdos, or Hidden Power Fire, which hits the highly relevant Heracross, Bronzong, and Roserade, and choosing one over the other will put a gap in Lilligant's coverage. Lilligant also suffers from being relatively frail, and while Sleep Powder can mitigate this somewhat, it will still struggle to take a hit from powerful hits. Nonetheless, Lilligant is a well-rounded threat that should never be underestimated.</p>

Machamp
Base Stats: 90 HP / 130 Atk / 80 Def / 65 SpA / 85 SpD / 55 Spe
Abilities: Guts / No Guard / Steadfast
<p>Other Fighting types have their advantages that make them better choices for their offensive teams; Heracross has Moxie and the ability to set up on so called counters, Mienshao hits brutally hard with Hi Jump Kick and creates the benchmark for Choice Scarf users, Scrafty has an excellent STAB combination, while Cobalion and Virizion have much higher speed that makes them both capable of being Swords Dance sweepers. Machamp's niche is getting harder to see, but its access to a perfectly accurate No Guard DynamicPunch that always confuses, along with its excellent 130 Attack and better bulk than a majority of Fighting types, keep it relevant in UU. Machamp can use Substitute and Bulk Up sets to a very capable degree, as both can immensely threaten a good amount of Pokemon in UU. However, Machamp does suffer from several flaws that may cause you to choose something else for your team. Machamp suffocates in a metagame in which bulky Ghost and Psychic types are prevalent, as they completely wall Machamp. 55 Speed is very slow and while Machamp's bulk is decent, it will never be able to stand up to too many hits. Don't disclude Machamp as a threat, because while it may have taken a fall from grace, it is still a threat that can become a nightmare for your team if you are unpreprared.</p>

Magneton
Base Stats: 50 HP / 60 Atk / 95 Def / 120 SpA / 70 SpD / 70 Spe
Abilities: Magnet Pull / Sturdy / Analytic
<p>Steel-types are a lot less common down in UU than they are in OU, and this dampers Magneton's Steel-trapping capabilities somewhat. Due to the lack of viable Steel-types, Magneton may not be the premier choice for your team, considering the better offensive Electric-types of the tier. However, Magneton can easily trap the most common Steel-type, Bronzong, with the combination of Magnet Rise and Substitute that makes it incapable of breaking Magneton's Substitutes without multiple Gyro Balls, while getting withered down with repeated Thunderbolts. Magneton can also make quick work of the faster Steel-types that roam the tier with a Choice Scarf set; while this set lacks the ability to destroy Bronzong, it can revenge kill Cobalion and Durant easily with a Hidden Power Fire. Magneton isn't limited to trapping, as a Choice Specs set with Analytic can destroy even the bulkiest of walls, which makes Magneton a very capable wallbreaker. Although Magneton's niche as a Steel Killer is somewhat small, it is the only Pokemon capable of performing that niche and doing it well.</p>

Medicham
Base Stats: 60 HP / 60 Atk / 75 Def / 60 SpA / 75 SpD / 80 Spe
Abilities: Pure Power / Telepathy
<p>Medicham's access to Pure Power keeps it from hitting absolute obscurity, as it is a really poor Pokemon otherwise. With its Attack stat doubled, Medicham is a true powerhouse, for lack of a better term. Medicham performs well as a Choice Band user in conjunction with Choice Scarf Heracross, as Medicham is capable of eliminating all common answers to Heracross with the appropriate move. This gives Medicham a great niche in helping out one of the biggest threats in UU reach its full potential. Medicham is largely flawed in UU though, as its bulk and typing are the main culprits for its downfall. Due to these flaws, Medicham has trouble switching into a wide variety of powerful moves. Medicham also has a disappointing 80 base Speed, and it is largely outclassed by Mienshao and Heracross in any other role other than being a Choice Band wallbreaker. Nonetheless, Medicham has a unique perks that make it a fantastic partner for one of the best cleaners of the tier.</p>

Meloetta
Base Stats: 100 HP / 77 Atk / 77 Def / 128 SpA / 128 SpD / 90 Spe
Ability: Serene Grace
<p>Meloetta's terrific 128 Special Attack and Special Defense stats, along with its unique typing that grants it a Ghost immunity, give it an advantage over fellow special attacking Psychic types Azelf and Mew. This makes Meloetta a great offensive Calm Mind user that hits brutally hard after one or two boosts. Meloetta also performs a Choice Specs set exceptionally well, being able to destroy many Pokemon with its boosted attacks. A Substitute + Calm Mind set is also viable, using Meloetta's great special stats to great potential, while the typing is something that gives Meloetta an advantage over Raikou, its main competitor for the role. However, Meloetta sits at a relatively decent, but not great, 90 Speed, which is much lower than Mew and Azelf. While Meloetta has fantastic Special Defense, the same cannot be said about its Defense, which is feeble and easy to target. Even with these flaws, Meloetta is still a highly powerful threat capable of tearing through teams when given a chance.</p>

Mew
Base Stats: 100 HP / 100 Atk / 100 Def / 100 SpA / 100 SpD / 100 Spe
Ability: Synchronize
<p>With access to every TM and move tutor ever, Mew has an insanely large movepool that makes it among the most versatile Pokemon in the game, being able to assume any position. Mew's best set is a Nasty Plot sweeper that uses Mew's decent 100 Special Attack to be raised to destructive levels, while using its amazing coverage to wreck certain targets that could annoy its main Psychic attacks. Mew also performs the role of a Swords Dance sweeper very well, and while someone may think it is outclassed by more powerful physical sweepers like Darmanitan, Mew's much better bulk compared to other physical attackers and excellent coverage makes it ridiculously good. Mew also performs the role of a defensive Pokemon as well, being a specially defensive Stallbreaker that is capable of putting a damper on stall with access to Will-O-Wisp, Taunt, and Softboiled as well as have nice utility against offensive and balanced teams, being able to beat a plethora of strong special attackers by tanking any hit and recover lost damage. Another set that Mew uses well is a Baton Pass set that is capable of aiding many offensive Pokemon to become even more threatening. Mew's only downfalls are its bland Psychic typing that gives it weaknesses to Bug and Ghost, as well as lack of extremely powerful STAB moves that can sometimes lack to power to OHKO bulkier foes. However, Mew's excellent versatility makes it a Pokemon that makes it an excellent pick for any team.</p>

Mienshao
Base Stats: 65 HP / 125 Atk / 60 Def / 95 SpA / 60 SpD / 105 Spe
Abilities: Inner Focus / Regenerator / Reckless
<p>Mienshao is one of the premier Fighting-types in the UU tier. With an excellent 105 base speed and high 125 base Attack, Mienshao is by far the best user of Choice Scarf in the tier. Mienshao is also capable of using a Life Orb set to a very capable degree, and as an extra bonus, it can get rid of Gligar with a swift Hidden Power Ice thanks to its decent 95 Special Attack. It also has two excellent abilities in Regenerator and Reckless; the former helps regain lost health, which is especially helpful when using the Life Orb set, while the latter boosts Hi Jump Kick's power to unimaginable heights. Mienshao also has access to U-turn and Baton Pass, which helps it get out of an unfavorable situation and maneuver around its common answers. Unfortunately for Mienshao, it will have extreme trouble switching into any remotely powerful attack with its pitiful 65 / 60 / 60 bulk. The metagame has shifted so that many teams have answers to the omnipresent Fighting Pokemon, such as Cofagrigus and Crobat, which prevents Mienshao much trouble when wanting to spam Hi Jump Kick. Despite these flaws, Mienshao is one of the best Pokemon in the UU tier and should never be taken lightly</p>

Milotic
Base Stats: 95 HP / 60 Atk / 79 Def / 100 SpA / 125 SpD / 81 Spe
Abilities: Marvel Scale / Cute Charm
<p>BW2 UU has been the toughest metagame for Milotic to succeed, as other bulky waters fill the tier with their own unique niche that leaves Milotic outclassed in many aspects. Blastoise has access to the vaunted Rapid Spin, Empoleon and Swampert have unique typings, Slowbro and Slowking have Regenerator and a Fighting resistance, and Suicune is in general just much bulkier than Milotic. Milotic still has a niche, though, and that is given through its fantastic Special Defense. Its typing has advantages over the also specially bulky Slowking, granting it a neutrality to Heracross's Megahorn and most importantly, Chandelure's Shadow Ball. With this, Milotic is capable of handling Chandelure decently while combating the physical Fire types of the tier. If someone needs a decent answer to some of the tier's biggest threats, Milotic can perform that role, but if someone desires a hard counter, Milotic will not be able to perform that role as well as something else.</p>

Mismagius
Base Stats: 60 HP / 60 Atk / 60 Def / 105 SpA / 105 SpD / 105 Spe
Ability: Levitate
<p>Mismagius is often shafted in favor of the bulkier Cofagrigus, which can combat the Fighting types that Mismagius could even lose to because of its somewhat poor physical bulk, as well as the more powerful Chandelure, which has become an insanely powerful threat that can destroy much of the metagame. Despite new competition, Mismagius still has a niche of being a fast set-up sweeper, which can be advantageous considering that Cofagrigus is forced to use Trick Room if it so desires to sweep. Mismagius also has access to Levitate, which makes it the most entry hazard resistant Ghost, as well as some useful support moves in Thunder Wave and Heal Bell, meaning it isn't completely outclassed by Cofagrigus and Sableye as a defensive Ghost. Overall, Mismagius isn't a bad Pokemon in any means, and if you use it to its advantages, it will most certainly be a useful Pokemon for your team.</p>

Nidoking
Base Stats: 81 HP / 92 Atk / 77 Def / 85 SpA / 75 SpD / 85 Spe
Abilities: Poison Point / Rivalry / Sheer Force
<p>Nidoking is a very powerful offensive threat, as its fantastic movepool and good attacking stats that are augmented by Sheer Force. This makes Nidoking a brilliant offensive threat that can thrive once given a switch in. Nidoking is flawed, though, in having mediocre defenses that struggle to take even powerful resisted attacks, as well as having good, but not great, Speed. Nidoking also faces competition from its female counterpart for teams, as Nidoqueen is much bulkier that can help it combat Fighting types while still having a terrific damage output. However, if you so desire a fully offensive Pokemon that can nuke even the best special walls with its brutal attacks, look no further than Nidoking.</p>

Nidoqueen
Base Stats: 90 HP / 82 Atk / 87 Def / 75 SpA / 85 SpD / 76 Spe
Abilities: Poison Point / Rivalry / Sheer Force
<p>Nidoqueen's unique resistances, including valuable resistances to Fighting, Bug, and an immunity to Electric, and access to Stealth Rock in conjunction with Sheer Force has made Nidoqueen much more popular. Nidoqueen performs the role of a bulky offensive Stealth Rock setter very well, as it is capable of threatening the metagame with its excellent movepool while discouraging the spinners and Xatu from coming in because they fail to take multiple hits from the appropriate move. The resistances that Nidoqueen has are even more important considering the popularity of Heracross and Mienshao, which are both handled by Nidoqueen. If you need a more defensive route to Nidoqueen, though, a defensive set is still viable and becomes an even better answer to the omnipresent Fighting types. Nidoqueen's downfall is its speed, as 76 Speed is mediocre and will let it get outsped by key threats. Nidoqueen also suffers from lack of reliable recovery, which can be annoying considering that Nidoqueen typically needs to combat the threats it checks more than once. While Nidoqueen may have great resistances, it also comes with weaknesses to Psychic, Ice, and Ground attacks. Despite these flaws, Nidoqueen is always a great asset for any team, and it will be able to fit on your team if you need its support.</p>

Omastar
Base Stats: 70 HP / 60 Atk / 125 Def / 115 SpA / 70 SpD / 55 Spe
Abilities: Swift Swim / Shell Armor / Weak Armor
<p>Omastar's access to Shell Smash, one of the best boosting moves, make it a formidable sweeper that can destroy teams after the right Pokemon are out of the way. Omastar's high 115 Special Attack is nothing to scoff at, as with a Shell Smash boost, Omastar's Hydro Pumps destroy everything in the tier that doesn't resist it. Omastar can also use its Dream World ability, Weak Armor, to great potential, as if it switches into a Choice locked Flare Blitz or a weak physical attack, after a Shell Smash boost, it will be able to outspeed Choice Scarf Mienshao, the troubling Pokemon for most set up sweepers. Omastar can also run a support set, using its high 125 Defense and access to Stealth Rock and Spikes to good use. Omastar does suffer from a few major flaws though. If Omastar fails to get a Weak Armor boost, it will succumb to Choice Scarf Mienshao as it fails to outspeed it, which is problematic considering how common it is. Omastar has low Special Defense and common weaknesses to Fighting, Grass, and Electric, so it can be hard to get that Shell Smash boost against the majority of the metagame. Overall, Omastar still is an offensive threat that you should be wary of when seeing it in the Team Preview.</p>

Porygon-Z
Base Stats: 85 HP / 80 Atk / 70 Def / 135 SpA / 75 Def / 90 Spe
Abilities: Adaptability / Download / Analytic
<p>Porygon-Z, unlike its prevolution Porygon2, was made for sweeping with its high 135 Special Attack along with terrific abilities in Adaptability and Download. Agility Porygon-Z is a substantial threat in UU, as its ability to clean weakened teams is remarkable when given a Download boost. Another way to patch up Porygon-Z's meager speed is a Choice Scarf set that can be a capable revenge killer. If you want Porygon-Z to wallbreak, though, Choice Specs and Nasty Plot sets with Adaptability are particularly destructive in breaking the bulkiest of special walls. The powerful duck is not without its flaws though. Porygon-Z is relatively frail, which can give it trouble setting up when needed to. Porygon-Z has to compromise between power and the ability to sweep, as it cannot usually do both at the same time. Other powerful special sweepers such as Chandelure and Raikou are chosen in favor of Porygon-Z because of their better power, in Chandelure's case, or speed, in Raikou's case. Although all these flaws are largely relevant, Porygon-Z still has all the tools to be a huge threat in the metagame, and it should never be seen as a non-issue when teambuilding.</p>

Porygon2
Base Stats: 85 HP / 80 Atk / 90 Def / 105 SpA / 95 SpD / 60 Spe
Abilities: Trace / Download / Analytic
<p>Thanks to Eviolite, Porygon2 is among the bulkiest of UU Pokemon. While it may initially seem that Porygon2 needs to be a wall, Porygon2 performs best as a bulky attacker that is capable of dealing out good damage with its 105 Special Attack while being able to take a good amount of hits. A Download or Analytic boost further makes Porygon2 threatening towards opponents, as it will hit relatively hard with a boost in hand. But if you want Porygon2 to be a more dedicated wall, it can perform that role excellently with its fantastic 85 / 90 / 95 bulk that is made immense with Eviolite while being able to recover any damage with Recover. Trace is particularly useful when using defensive Porygon2, as it can trace abilities that can benefit it, such as Flash Fire from Chandelure or Natural Cure from Shaymin, making it a fantastic utility counter. Porygon2 does suffer from the omnipresent Fighting types that roam the tier, as it forces Porygon2 out of its comfort zone. Defensive Porygon2 can actually become setup fodder for dangerous bulky sweepers such as Raikou and Suicune, while it can also falter to Flame Body Chandelure which can 2HKO Porygon2 with a Life Orb Fire Blast. Constantly pressuring with powerful hits on Porygon2 is key, as it can recover off damage if it feels less threatened. Lastly, while Trick isn't exactly common, it is another method of crippling Porygon2 by taking away its Eviolite, essentially making it less bulky. Although Porygon2 suffers from its fair share of flaws, that should not sway you from using it, as it can fit on your team if you need something relatively bulky to take powerful hits.</p>

Qwilfish
Base Stats: 65 HP / 95 Atk / 75 Def / 55 SpA / 55 SpD / 85 Spe
Abilities: Poison Point / Swift Swim / Intimidate
<p>Qwilfish's Dream World ability, Intimidate, has made Qwilfish a nuisance to take down on the physical side thanks to its increased defenses. Thanks to its unique typing, Qwilfish is capable of walling Fighting, Bug, and physical Fire types that commonly roam the tier. Qwilfish was blessed with a great support movepool, which includes the valuable Spikes, Thunder Wave, Toxic Spikes, Haze, and Taunt. Spikes support is especially useful, considering that the only other defensive spiker of the tier is Roserade, which doesn't combat the same threats Qwilfish does. One of Qwilfish's biggest flaws before BW2 was its lack of reliable recovery along with Intimidate, but that can be somewhat mitigated by Pain Split nowadays. Qwilfish's main flaw is that it suffers from its atrocious special bulk which is very easy to prey on, and it can never take any remotely powerful special attack. Qwilfish is also a target for set-up fodder, and while it does have Haze, Qwilfish cannot put all of its great support moves in four slots, leaving it suspect to something by the end of the day. Despite these major flaws, Qwilfish is a fantastic Pokemon when needing to combat the physical Fire and Fighting types of the tier.</p>

Raikou
Base Stats: 90 HP / 85 Atk / 75 Def / 115 SpA / 100 SpD / 115 Spe
Abilities: Pressure / Volt Absorb (Unreleased)
<p>Raikou is among the most threatening offensive Pokemon in the tier, and that is due to its high 115 Special Attack and Speed stats. Raikou makes the best candidate for a Substitute + Calm Mind set that is capable of setting up and threatening a great majority of Pokemon in the tier. Raikou is also capable of using Choice Specs to a great degree as well, as it can forgo the need to set-up and just hit hard right off the bat. Life Orb and Choice Scarf sets are also somewhat decent, as they both have their uses that can thrive when used correctly. Raikou's downfall is that every decent team runs something that answers Raikou, such as Rhyperior, Swampert, or Snorlax. This makes Raikou suffer somewhat because of how prepared each team is, running multiple counters to Raikou to make sure it fails to sweep a team. However, never underestimate Raikou, because while the metagame is sufficiently prepared for it, if your counters to Raikou somehow falter, it could mean that you are in a situation to lose.</p>

Registeel
Base Stats: 80 HP / 75 Atk / 150 Def / 75 SpA / 150 SpD / 50 Spe
Ability: Clear Body / Light Metal (Unreleased)
<p>Registeel's fantastic 11 resistances thanks to its pure Steel typing makes it a solid defensive Pokemon capable of countering Raikou, Roserade, and Yanmega. Registeel also has great support options, such as Stealth Rock and Thunder Wave, which can aid a team immensely. It does suffer in this metagame, though, due to common weaknesses to Ground, Fighting, and Fire, all of which are very prevalent in the current metagame. Registeel lacks reliable recovery, which can compound to getting withered down quickly. It also has low offensive prowess, making it rely on Seismic Toss to do any significant damage, which can actually compound to being set-up fodder for something like Calm Mind Suicune or Offensive Trick Room Cofagrigus if it lacks Toxic. Registeel also faces competiton with other common Steel types which have their own niches, such as Bronzong and Empoleon. Despite all of these massive flaws, Registeel is still a solid wall, and it can perform well when needed.</p>

Rhyperior
Base Stats: 115 HP / 140 Atk / 130 Def / 55 SpA / 55 SpD / 40 Spe
Abilities: Lightningrod / Solid Rock / Reckless
<p>Rhyperior thrives as a solid counter to Raikou and Zapdos, two major threats in the tier, and this is all in part to Solid Rock, which patches up Rhyperior's weak Special Defense. Thanks to Solid Rock, standard tank Rhyperior can even stomach a Life Orb Hidden Power Grass from offensive Zapdos, and it can KO both Raikou and Zapdos with Earthquake and Rock Blast, respectively. Rhyperior also can answer the physical Fire types of the tier thanks to its overall high defense, while being able to set up Stealth Rock on the opposing side. Rhyperior is definitely no slouch on the offensive side, as 140 Attack is among the highest in UU, which allows Rhyperior to run solid Choice Band and Rock Polish sets along with the legendary EdgeQuake combination. Rhyperior's main flaw is its massive weaknesses to Grass, Water, and Fighting attacks, which can leave Rhyperior severely weakened or KOed after taking one of those hits. Nonetheless, Rhyperior is a valuable asset for any UU team that needs a solid answer to Raikou and Zapdos as well as physical Fire types, and it is a fantastic Pokemon because of that niche.</p>

Roserade
Base Stats: 60 HP / 70 Atk / 55 Def / 125 SpA / 105 SpD / 90 Spe
Abilities: Natural Cure / Poison Point / Technician
<p>Roserade may have fallen out of the top spot in UU, but it is foolish to not think of it as a threat these days. Roserade's high 125 Special Attack and relatively decent 90 speed allows it to hit like a truck with its brutal STAB Leaf Storms and Sludge Bombs. Roserade is capable of putting a counter to sleep as well with its access to Sleep Powder. Roserade also has access to Spikes, which are invaluable to the UU metagame. Due to its good special defense and Natural Cure, Roserade can handle bulky waters relatively well and lay layers of Spikes down. Roserade's downfall is its extreme frailty on the physical spectrum, as it even struggles to take resisted physical attacks if they are remotely powerful. Roserade may not be slow, but it hits a lower benchmark than most of the top tier threats, which can be annoying. Roserade also has weaknesses to the common Fire and Psychic attacks that can destroy Roserade without second thought. In spite of all of this, Roserade is still an amazing Pokemon in the tier that should usually find a place on any team.</p>

Rotom-C
Base Stats: 50 HP / 65 Atk / 107 Def / 105 SpA / 107 SpD / 86 Spe
Ability: Levitate
<p>Rotom-C's unique Grass / Electric typing and Levitate offers it great resistances to Water, Electric, and an immunity to Ground attacks. This allows it to combat several very relevant defensive Pokemon, such as Rhyperior, Swampert, and Slowbro. Rotom-C is best used as a Choice Scarf user that abuses its nice 86 Speed to barely outrun Heracross and Nidoking, which is always useful, while maintaining excellent momentum with Volt Switch, while messing with its counters with Trick. Rotom-C also can perform a defensive role well too, considering its ability to combat bulky Water types, access to Will-O-Wisp, and overall decent bulk. If you want absolute raw power, though, Choice Specs Rotom-C can destroy common Pokemon that don't resist its Grass STAB with Leaf Storms. Since Rotom-C is so commonly seen as a Choice Pokemon, it can even catch them off guard with an Expert Belt, which can effectively eliminate annoying Pokemon such as Rhyperior and Swampert, which can open up opportunities for other Pokemon to thrive. Rotom-C's downfall is its shallow offensive movepool and common weaknesses to Fire, Bug, and Ice attacks, which can make it hard for the lawn mower. Although Rotom-C may not be your initial choice for an Electric or Grass type, it has some excellent traits that make it worth using.</p>

Rotom-F
Base Stats: 50 HP / 65 Atk / 107 Def / 105 SpA / 107 SpD / 86 Spe
Ability: Levitate
<p>Thanks to Snow Warning being reintroduced in UU, Rotom-F is once again a perfectly viable Pokemon that is the terror of hail offense. Rotom-F's amazing STAB combination that has near perfect coverage makes Rotom-F an excellent Pokemon, and with a perfectly accurate STAB Blizzard and good Special Attack, Rotom-F is sure to put a dent in any Pokemon. Thanks to its 86 Speed that allows it to outspeed Heracross, Rotom-F can be a great Choice Scarf user that can revenge kill a plethora of threats as well as gain momentum for hail teams with Volt Switch. Rotom-F can also perform a sweeping role as well, with a SubSplit set that can wither down at the opponent while having substantial power to sweep once special walls are weakened. Unfortunately for Rotom-F, its typing, while it does grant resistances to Electric and Ice, gives it common weaknesses to Fire and Fighting along with a weakness to Stealth Rock. Rotom-F also has conflicting type synergy with other hail staples, which can worsen a weakness to a certain threat. Nonetheless, Rotom-F is a capable offensive threat in hail that can wreck opposing teams when given the correct support.</p>

Rotom-H
Base Stats: 50 HP / 65 Atk / 107 Def / 105 SpA / 107 SpD / 86 Spe
Ability: Levitate
<p>Rotom-H has seven resistances and a decent Special Attack, making it not hard to come in as well as deal out significant damage. Rotom-H performs best as a Choice Specs user that can nuke the tier with its powerful attacks, and thanks to its good STAB combination, Rotom-H is capable of denting plenty to everything in the tier with its STAB Overheat and can wither down bulky waters with Volt Switch. Rotom-H also sits at a good speed tier for a Choice Scarf set, being able to outspeed key threats such as Heracross and Nidoking. Rotom-H can also cripple some of its common switch ins with a Trick or burning them with a surprise Will-O-Wisp. Rotom-H's downfalls are the nasty Special Attack drop that Overheat comes with, making it not as spammable, as well as being weak to Stealth Rock, which can damper its switch in opportunities.</p>

Sableye
Base Stats: 50 HP / 75 Atk / 75 Def / 65 SpA / 65 SpD / 50 Spe
Abilities: Keen Eye / Stall / Prankster
<p>Thanks to Prankster, Sableye is a very capable Pokemon in UU, with priority Will-O-Wisp, Taunt, and Recover. Combine that with its no weaknesses, and Sableye becomes an annoying Pokemon in the right hands for physical attackers, set-up sweepers, and hazard setters. Sableye only got better as the metagame transitioned to BW2, being able to easily deal with common Fighting types such as Mienshao and Scrafty, as well as not be as threatened by Heracross, which has eschewed Moxie in favor of Guts on its popular Choice Scarf set, allowing Sableye to easily burn it and cripple instead of benefit it with a Guts boost. Sableye can even Foul Play the annoying physical Fire types that can switch into Will-O-Wisp, such as Darmanitan and Victini, and easily KO them. Sableye's major downfall is that it struggles with strong special attackers, such as Roserade and Chandelure, which can leave it to be KOed or severely weakened. In spite of this flaw, Sableye is still a highly annoying Pokemon that can find its place on teams wanting to deal with physical sweepers or stall teams.</p>

Sceptile
Base Stats: 70 HP / 85 Atk / 65 Def / 105 SpA / 85 SpD / 120 Spe
Abilities: Overgrow / Unburden
<p>Sceptile seems to be outclassed by other offensive Grass types, such as Shaymin, Roserade, and Lilligant, all of which have their own unique perks over it. But Sceptile has a niche in that it is the only viable Grass-type Swords Dance sweeper in the tier. Sceptile is significantly faster than a wide majority of the tier, only being outsped by Weavile and Crobat, although standard Crobat only runs enough speed to outspeed Azelf, which can allow Sceptile to outspeed and KO that with a +2 Flying Gem boosted Acrobatics. Speaking of Acrobatics, it allows Sceptile to get around Grass types, while making it near impossible to revenge without taking too much damage. Sceptile can even run a special attacking set because of its high speed, which can put dents in some common Pokemon. Sceptile's major flaws that make it a rare sight is its lack of overwhelming power, which means that Sceptile will often lack enough power to plow through anything remotely bulky enough to take a hit. Sceptile is also relatively frail, which can be problematic when coming in and setting up. In spite of this, Sceptile is still a capable threat in UU that when given correct support, can clean weakened teams.</p>

Scolipede
Base Stats: 60 HP / 90 Atk / 89 Def / 55 SpA / 69 SpD / 112 Spe
Abilities: Poison Point / Swarm / Quick Feet
<p>Scolipede has access to Spikes, which is always a good thing in UU considering how valuable spikers are. Scolipede's main advantage over Accelgor is its powerful STAB Megahorn that can leave dents in Pokemon. Scolipede is also relatively fast, being able to outspeed key threats such as Mienshao and Mew, allowing it to lay even more Spikes in front of them or heavily dent them. Why Scolipede is a rare sight is because of how it faces competition in the role of being a suicide spiker with Accelgor and Crustle, both of which have their own perks, as well as Heracross when comparing physical Bug sweepers. Despite this, Scolipede can be a great asset to your team if you need the Spikes support it offers for offensive teams.</p>

Scrafty
Base Stats: 65 HP / 90 Atk / 115 Def / 45 SpA / 115 SpD / 58 Spe
Abilities: Shed Skin / Moxie / Intimidate
<p>Scrafty's brilliant STAB combination that is only resisted by Heracross in UU makes it a formidable offensive threat. Even though Scrafty has a middling speed stat, it makes up for that with Dragon Dance, which can make it a very offensive threat with Moxie. Scrafty can also perform a more defensively inclined role with Bulk Up, being able to set up on a good amount of defensive Pokemon thanks to Shed Skin allowing for Rest to be a good option for recovery because of the 30% chance to wake up and overall great bulk. If you want Scrafty to hit hard right off the bat, Choice Band Scrafty is able to do that, with its extra coverage helping it against certain threats that it can't cover with Dragon Dance as well as hitting relatively hard, as it is able to 2HKO defensive Swampert! Scrafty's main downfalls are the prevalence of Choice Scarf Mienshao and Heracross, both of which can put an end to Scrafty's sweep by outspeeding and OHKOing it. Scrafty is still slow even after one Dragon Dance, which leaves something like Crobat to easily outspeed and KO it. Its 90 Base Attack leaves much to be desired, as it will fail to dent anything hard unless you are using the Choice Band set. Don't let these faults deter you from using Scrafty as it is a highly relevant threat that can perform great if you give it the correct situation to do massive damage.</p>

Sharpedo
Base Stats: 70 HP / 120 Atk / 40 Def / 95 SpA / 40 SpD / 95 Spe
Abilities: Rough Skin / Speed Boost
<p>Sharpedo was never really a great offensive threat in past generations, as its extreme frailty and poor defensive typing left it outclassed. However, with Speed Boost thanks to Dream World, Sharpedo is among UU's biggest offensive threats. Sharpedo's most common set is a physical sweeper that can hit the metagame hard with its Life Orb boosted Waterfalls and Crunches. Sharpedo also can do the surprising role of a special sweeper that is capable of beating a good number of Pokemon that combat the physical set. As the speed boosts stack up, Sharpedo suddenly becomes harder to revenge kill. Not all is positive for Sharpedo, though. It is an understatement to just call Sharpedo frail, as it is insanely frail, which makes Sharpedo nearly impossible to switch in unless it is a Psychic attack that is being spammed. Sharpedo is often reliant on using Protect to gain more Speed Boosts, which can make it somewhat easy to play around. While Sharpedo may have good offensive stats, "good" will not total to KOing the entire tier without having any previous damage on certain bulky Pokemon, which can retaliate with a hit that Sharpedo will typically not take. Sharpedo is definitely a defined threat in UU and when given the right support and situation, it can sweep teams pretty well.</p>

Shaymin
Base Stats: 100 HP / 100 Atk / 100 Def / 100 SpA / 100 SpD / 100 Spe
Abilities: Natural Cure
<p>Shaymin is the best answer to Water types available in the tier, being able to handle Scald burns thanks to Natural Cure and its overall balanced stats. Shaymin makes an excellent offensive Pokemon as well, with access to STAB Seed Flare that has a 40% chance to drop a Pokemon's Special Defense by 2 stages, which can force the special walls of the tier to switch or take the fall. Shaymin also has access to some great coverage moves that can dent switch ins hard, such as Earth Power to smack Chandelure, and Psychic to heavily dent Heracross and Crobat switch ins. However, Shaymin is not without any flaws. Shaymin suffers from being weak to the omnipresent Fire, Flying, and Bug attacks, which can make Shaymin suffer somewhat. Shaymin also competes with Roserade as a Grass-type due to the latter's access to Spikes and Sleep Powder. Even though Shaymin has a decent 100 Special Attack, it is usually not enough against Pokemon that resists its STAB, which can lead to Shaymin's downfall. Nonetheless, Shaymin is still a fantastic Pokemon in UU and can shine if you give it a chance.</p>

Slowbro
Base Stats: 95 HP / 75 Atk / 110 Def / 100 SpA / 80 SpD / 30 Spe
Abilities: Oblivious / Own Tempo / Regenerator
<p>Slowbro's high physical defense and ability to wall the majority of Fighting types, physical Fire types, and other physical attackers make it an excellent bulky water. Slowbro has access to Slack Off and Regenerator, two great ways to regain health that makes it one tough Pokemon to wither down. Thanks to all of these positive traits, Slowbro performs the role of a bulky Calm Mind attacker that can patch up Slowbro's weaker Special Defense while making it a substantial threat after a few boosts. Slowbro also performs being a pure defensive Water type very well, capable of paralyzing the opposing Pokemon with Thunder Wave. Another way Slowbro can function is through the use of Choice Specs, which increases Slowbro's offensive prowess significantly and allows it to dent something relatively hard, while still retaining much of the excellent physical bulk Slowbro has. Slowbro's downfall is its somewhat weak Special Defense that leaves it open to many powerful special attackers. Slowbro also suffers from the fact that it is very slow as a Pokemon and has common weaknesses to Electric, Dark, and Bug attacks, which leaves it open to plenty offensive threats of those types. Overall, though, Slowbro is a top tier defensive Pokemon that continues to be a great asset for any UU team.</p>

Slowking
Base Stats: 95 HP / 75 Atk / 80 Def / 100 SpA / 110 SpD / 30 Spe
Abilities: Oblivious / Own Tempo / Regenerator
<p>While Slowking may lack the physical defense that its counterpart Slowbro has, it makes up in having great Special Defense which allows Slowking to effectively take one of the biggest threats in the metagame in Kingdra. With minimal attack investment, Slowking is capable of breaking Kingdra's Substitutes with a Dragon Tail, while being able to tank a +1 Outrage while still being able to check Kingdra thanks to Regenerator. Kingdra's special attacking sets, while they can easily plow through Slowbro, fare much worse against Slowking, who can easily stomach a Draco Meteor and Slack Off the damage. While Slowking may have significantly lower defense than Slowbro, the same typing still allows it to combat some highly relevant threats such as Fire and Fighting types. Slowking's downfall is that it will face competition with Slowbro, as Slowbro's ability to counter physical threats is much higher than Slowking. Slowking's fantastic niche as a Kingdra counter cannot be ignored though, as it is a defining factor that makes Slowking a great choice for teams needing to patch up a Kingdra weakness.</p>

Smeargle
Base Stats: 55 HP / 20 Atk / 35 Def / 20 SpA / 45 SpD / 75 Spe
Abilities: Own Tempo / Technician / Moody
<p>Smeargle's atrocious stats may make it seem like it is completely out of place in UU, but its unique traits give it a niche that not many other Pokemon can perform as well. Thanks to Sketch, Smeargle can utilize every move at its disposal, which can make it a great Baton Passer or hazard setter. Smeargle is one of three Pokemon with the famed SmashPass combination, and its access to Spore to incapacitate a foe along with better speed give it an advantage over Gorebyss. When Baton Passed, the SmashPass recipient can reach immense offensive potential that allows it to possibly sweep teams. Smeargle also performs the role of setting hazards down very well. While other hazard setters may have better offensive prowess, Smeargle has access to Spore, which guarantees that a Pokemon is crippled along with getting hazards up. Unfortunately, Smeargle's stats don't allow for much else to use in its movepool, but its incredible support is something that is desired for any offensive UU team.</p>

Snorlax
Base Stats: 160 HP / 110 Atk / 65 Def / 65 SpA / 110 SpD / 30 Spe
Abilities: Immunity / Thick Fat / Gluttony
<p>Snorlax is one of the best Pokemon in UU, and it's not hard to see why. Snorlax has a meaty 160 HP, along with a good 110 Attack and 110 Special Defense. These attributes make Snorlax an excellent offensive check for the majority of threatening special attackers, such as Raikou and Offensive Trick Room Cofagrigus. Thanks to Thick Fat, Snorlax is the best switch-in to Chandelure there is in the tier, which gives it a valuable niche that no other Pokemon can do as well as Snorlax. Snorlax can also perform an offensive Curse set as well as a more geared defensive Curse set that both can become extremely threatening when multiple Curse boosts have been obtained. Even though Umbreon performs better being a special wall thanks to Wish and Heal Bell, Snorlax can perform a RestTalk set, which has Whirlwind, a major advantage over Umbreon. Although Snorlax has many positive attributes, it has relatively low physical bulk as well as a weakness to Fighting moves. These flaws are relatively minor to Snorlax's success as it is among the most valuable Pokemon in UU, and it can find a place on any team needing its excellent special bulk.</p>

Suicune
Base Stats: 100 HP / 75 Atk / 115 Def / 90 SpA / 115 SpD / 85 Spe
Abilities: Pressure / Water Absorb (Unreleased)
<p>Suicune's high overall bulk, pure Water typing, and access to Calm Mind make it a great bulky sweeper. Thanks to that high bulk, Suicune can set up Calm Minds on many Pokemon, while it can Roar away opposing Pokemon that try to take advantage of Suicune's initial low offensive prowess. Suicune also can use its classic CroCune set, which forgoes Roar in favor of Sleep Talk so that Suicune is not dead weight when asleep, while still using that terrific bulk to its advantage. If you want a harder hitting Suicune, though, it can perform the role of an offensive Calm Mind set well, hitting relatively hard with Hydro Pumps while still having decent bulk to boot. Suicune's main flaws are that it is threatened by some ridiculously common Pokemon that threaten it, such as Zapdos, Raikou, and Roserade. Suicune suffers from being having lacking reliable recovery, which forces it to use Rest if it wants to perform the role of a bulky sweeper well. Rest is not a great recovery move because of BW's sleep mechanics, and the only ways to mitigate this flaw are through Sleep Talk or Heal Bell support, as without either, it is better to choose another bulky water. In spite of all of this, Suicune is still a great bulky water that can fit on your team if needing something that handles physical attackers with aplomb while becoming a tough Pokemon to crack through after several Calm Mind boosts.</p>

Swampert
Base Stats: 100 HP / 110 Atk / 90 Def / 85 SpA / 90 SpD / 60 Spe
Abilities: Torrent / Damp
<p>Swampert was a classic OU staple for the past two generations, but with BW bringing an immense power creep, it dropped to UU. In UU is where Swampert truly thrives nowadays, thanks to its great Water / Ground typing that allows it to combat Raikou and Zapdos as well as physical Fire types without too much trouble. Swampert's well rounded bulk, ability to handle extremely threatening Pokemon without much issue, and access to some great support moves such as Stealth Rock and Roar allows it to perform the role of a defensive tank very well. Swampert's often overlooked 110 Attack can shine in the correct times when utilizing Choice Band and offensive tank variants of Swampert. Swampert does have its flaws that it lacks reliable recovery, which is a nuisance for any defensive Pokemon, but especially annoying for Swampert, while also having a crippling weakness to Grass which can leave it surprised by Hidden Power Grasses from Zapdos and Raikou as well as Grass Knot from Victini. Even considering this, Swampert is still a top tier defensive Pokemon that is capable of fitting on any team because of its unique traits.</p>

Tangrowth
Base Stats: 100 HP / 110 Atk / 125 Def / 100 SpA / 50 SpD / 50 Spe
Abilities: Chlorophyll / Leaf Guard / Regenerator
<p>Tangrowth's main niche over other Grass types is its fantastic physical bulk that is among the best defenses in the tier, which allow it to easily tank many remotely powerful attacks. Tangrowth also has access to Regenerator, a fantastic ability for any defensive Pokemon that allows Tangrowth to regain lost health without having to resort to moves such as Synthesis and Leech Seed. Tangrowth has a move that many defensive Pokemon lack in Sleep Powder, which can always cripple a Pokemon with sleep. Even though Tangrowth is best utilized as a defensive Pokemon, its ability to become a fearsome sun sweeper or a Choice Specs attacker thanks to its relatively high attacking stats should not be neglected. Tangrowth's main downfall is its extremely poor Special Defense and Speed stats, which makes it susceptible to being destroyed by special attacks. Grass is not an amazing defensive typing either, as it gives Tangrowth unwanted weaknesses to Fire, Bug, and Flying attacks. Overall, Tangrowth is a very capable Pokemon in its own merits and can make a great physical wall when given the chance and right situation.</p>

Togekiss
Base Stats: 85 HP / 50 Atk / 95 Def / 120 SpA / 115 SpD / 80 Spe
Abilities: Hustle / Serene Grace / Super Luck
<p>Togekiss is among the most annoying Pokemon in the tier with its 60% chance to flinch the opponent with Air Slash thanks to Serene Grace. But an annoying Pokemon is also an excellent Pokemon in its own merits, as Togekiss's 85 / 95 / 115 bulk gives it impressive mixed bulk, along with reliable recovery in Roost and great supporting moves such as Heal Bell and Thunder Wave. With access to Nasty Plot and a relatively high Special Attack, Togekiss is no slouch offensively either, being able to hit the tier for decent damage with its Air Slashes. Togekiss's best set is a physically defensive set that can set-up several Nasty Plots because of the extra bulk given, as well as wreck stall with Heal Bell to heal status or Thunder Wave to use the famous paraflinch combination to great success. Togekiss also can perform the role of taking a specially defensive role to the same set, which takes advantage of Togekiss's higher Special Defense. However, Togekiss's defensive potential is somewhat hampered by a weakness to Stealth Rock, which makes it easier to take down with powerful hits. Some common sights in tier, such as Rhyperior and Zapdos, can take on Togekiss with relative ease and retaliate, although Zapdos has to watch out for Thunder Wave. In spite of all of this, Togekiss is definitely a Pokemon that can leave its mark as a destructive Pokemon in right hands, and it has earned a spot as a top tier Pokemon.</p>

Tornadus
Base Stats: 79 HP / 115 Atk / 70 Def / 125 SpA / 80 SpD / 111 Spe
Abilities: Prankster / Defiant
<p>Being shunned out of OU by its Therian form when it wrecked OU, Tornadus dropped to the UU tier. While it misses its permanent rain, it is still a threatening Pokemon because of its terrific mixed attacking stats and high 111 Speed. Tornadus can set up the rain manually, with access to Prankster Rain Dance, which allows it to spam its Hurricanes without having to dread the 70% accuracy that Hurricane has outside of rain. Tornadus has the right amount of coverage moves, being able to destroy Rhyperior with a Grass Knot, while wrecking Snorlax and Umbreon with Superpower, which essentially equates to limited switch ins. Tornadus can also perform outside of the rain well, with a Bulk Up set that can use its +1 Flying Gem boosted Acrobatics to wreck anything that doesn't have high defense or resists it. Tornadus's main flaw is its middling bulk that make it hard to stay on the battlefield. In addition, without setting a Rain Dance up, Tornadus's Hurricanes are wildly inaccurate, which puts the emphasis on setting up rain that Tornadus can't always do. In spite of all of this, Tornadus is still a destructive threat and should never be taken lightly even without its precious permanent rain.</p>

Umbreon
Base Stats: 95 HP / 65 Atk / 110 Def / 60 SpA / 130 SpD / 65 Spe
Abilities: Synchronize / Inner Focus
<p>Umbreon is the best dedicated special wall in the tier, with its high special bulk and great support movepool that includes Wish and Heal Bell. Wish and cleric support are rare things among the tier, and Umbreon is among the best to provide that support. What makes Umbreon great, though, is its access to Foul Play, which makes up for Umbreon's lack of offensive prowess. Foul Play dents the majority of the tier a great deal, while able to do surprsing damage to frailer Fighting types like Mienshao. However, Umbreon has its flaws. Umbreon suffers from being weak to Fighting moves, which the majority of Fighting-types can switch into Umbreon without too much trouble. Reliance on Foul Play is not always a great thing, as sometimes Umbreon will still be set-up fodder for very bulky Pokemon like Nasty Plot Togekiss or Calm Mind Suicune. Nonetheless, if you need cleric and Wish support, or just in general a great special wall, Umbreon is a fantastic option for your team.</p>

Uxie
Base Stats: 75 HP / 75 Atk / 130 Def / 75 SpA / 130 SpD / 95 Spe
Ability: Levitate
<p>Uxie is often shunned in favor of Mew and Cresselia when competing as a defensive Psychic type. Uxie does have some tricks up its sleeves, though. With access to great support moves such as dual screens, Stealth Rock, Memento, Thunder Wave, Rain Dance, Sunny Day, and Trick Room, Uxie can effortlessly support your team well. Uxie's great 75 / 130 / 130 bulk along with a great Fighting resistance opens up plenty of opportunities to use one of its support move options. Uxie's downfall is its terrible offensive prowess which can make it set-up bait in certain situations as well as lack of reliable recovery, which both Mew and Cresselia both have. Overall, Uxie is still a great support Pokemon that can fulfill any small niche you need to fill.</p>

Venomoth
Base Stats: 70 HP / 65 Atk / 60 Def / 90 SpA / 75 SpD / 90 Spe
Abilities: Shield Dust / Tinted Lens / Wonder Skin
<p>Venomoth is brilliant at what it does best, which is Baton Passing Quiver Dances to threatening Pokemon. Venomoth is often a very high reward Pokemon with how there are many great receivers of Quiver Dance boosts such as Nidoqueen and Togekiss. It doesn't have a dreadful time setting up either, as its access to Sleep Powder to cripple an opposing Pokemon along with Wonder Skin to avoid Roar 50% of the time, which can allow Venomoth to set up multiple Quiver Dances and outright beating the Roar user. Venomoth does have middling bulk, which can make it hard to switch in when using it and setting up as well as restricting team options. Even with that considered, Venomoth is an extremely potent Pokemon and can be deadly when given a clean window of opportunity.</p>

Victini
Base Stats: 100 HP / 100 Atk / 100 Def / 100 SpA / 100 SpD / 100 Spe
Ability: Victory Star
<p>Victini's adorable looks are deceiving, as it is among the deadliest offensive threats in the tier. Victini's signature move, V-Create, is ridiculously powerful, and when boosted with a Choice Band, it will often put big dents in anything that lacks good defense and a resistance. Victini also can smack bulky waters exceedingly hard with its newly gained Bolt Strike, and it can also U-turn out if a counter is sent to handle it. Victini's best counters to its Choice Band set, such as Rhyperior and Swampert, all are destroyed by a more specially based set with Grass Knot to annihilate them all. Victini is extremely potent with its special set with a strong special STAB in Blue Flare, while luring in its typical counters and wrecking them with the appropriate coverage move. Victini can even run V-Create on its special set to fool its slower counters into thinking its a physical set, then destroying them with a Grass Knot or even a Thunder, if you are willing to play risky to have a chance to OHKO Slowbro as well as 2HKO Slowking. V-Create also has the plus of 2HKOing Umbreon even without investment, an impressive feat that leaves Snorlax as the only secure counter to the special attacking Victini. Snorlax itself is destroyed by a Choice Band V-Create, so Victini in that sense lacks solid counters. That is not to say that Victini is absolutely flawless. Victini doesn't have a great defensive typing that gives it a weakness to Stealth Rock among other bad weaknesses to Dark, Ghost, and Ground. Be careful when playing against Victini, as it can surprise you in many ways that could put a big hole in your defensive coverage.</p>

Virizion
Base Stats: 91 HP / 90 Atk / 72 Def / 90 SpA / 129 SpD / 108 Spe
Ability: Justified
<p>In a tier full to the brim with Fighting types, Virizion can distinguish itself from them with its access to Grass STAB to destroy Slowbro, a Pokemon that will often wall the majority of Fighting types, and other bulky waters. Virizion also has a great 108 Speed and two excellent set up moves in Swords Dance and Calm Mind, both of which can make Virzion a truly threatening Pokemon. Virizion is not without flaws, though, as while it does have impressive Special Defense, it suffers from having only 72 Defense, which can be troubling when forced to take a physical hit. Virizion also struggles against some omnipersent Pokemon in the tier, such as Heracross, Chandelure, and Crobat, all of which can take one of Virzion's STABs and retaliate with a powerful hit. Nonetheless, Virizon is a great Pokemon when played correctly and given the correct support.</p>

Walrein
Base Stats: 110 HP / 80 Atk / 90 Def / 95 SpA / 90 SpD / 65 Spe
Abilities: Thick Fat / Ice Body / Oblivious
<p>Walrein's niche as a destructive stalling Pokemon in UU comes from its decent bulk as well as 12.5% recovery considering Ice Body and Leftovers when in hail. Walrein can use the sequence of Substitute and Protect to recover off any lost damage making that Substitute while withering at the opponent with potential Toxic and hail damage. Walrein can often set-up on weak attackers, forcing them out and proceeding to reach destructive potential. Its access to Roar and decent Special Attack with a strong STAB Blizzard can prevent it from becoming set-up fodder and rack up more residual damage, although Roar would take away the ability to manually Toxic foes and thus making it more reliant on Toxic Spikes support. However, Walrein is weak to the common Fighting and Electric moves, and it also has a weakness to all forms of entry hazards, most specifically Stealth Rock. Although Walrein needs a good deal of support to reach full potential, it can truly be a nightmare when behind a Substitute.</p>

Weavile
Base Stats: 70 HP / 120 Atk / 65 Def / 45 SpA / 85 SpD / 125 Spe
Abilities: Pressure / Pickpocket
<p>Weavile is a terrific offensive threat that is capable of cleaning weakened teams late-game thanks to its ridiculously high 125 Speed and good 120 Attack. Weavile is best used as a Swords Dance sweeper, as it can pick off frailer Choice Scarf users like Mienshao easily with a +2 Ice Shard, while being capable of threatening the majority of the metagame with its boosted attacks. If you want Weavile to be a more dedicated revenge killer, it can perform that admirably with Pursuit to checkmate Ghost and Psychic types when using an all-out attacking set. Weavile's downfall is its poor defenses and defensive typing that gives it weaknesses to Fighting, Fire, and Bug attacks, as well as a weakness to Stealth Rock. This can make it somewhat hard to set-up a Swords Dance when desiring a sweep. While Weavile is powerful, it can somewhat struggle against bulkier targets such as Swampert and Bronzong, so it needs those Pokemon out of the way or severely weakened. Don't let these flaws discourage you from using Weavile, as it is a very capable threat that can destroy opposing teams when given the correct situation.</p>

Xatu
Base Stats: 65 HP / 75 Atk / 70 Def / 95 SpA / 70 SpD / 95 Spe
Abilities: Synchronize / Early Bird / Magic Bounce
<p>Xatu's Dream World ability, Magic Bounce, allows it to bounce back any non-attacking move, but most importantly, hazards. Xatu can also keep momentum for any offensive team with access to U-turn, while supplying some utility with access to moves like Thunder Wave. If Xatu is on the wrong end of the battle against a Stealth Rock setter, it can Roost any lost damage if its not OHKOed yet. However, Xatu is not very good outside of bouncing back hazards, as its lackluster stats leave it outclassed defensively and offensively. Xatu is sometimes not guaranteed success when trying to bounce hazards back against Pokemon such as Rhyperior and Nidoqueen, as both can easily OHKO with Rock Blast or Ice Beam, respectively. Xatu will only truly shine if you don't want to run a Rapid Spin user while maintaining a good amount of momentum for offensive teams.</p>

Yanmega
Base Stats: 86 HP / 76 Atk / 86 Def / 116 SpA / 56 SpD / 95 Spe
Abilities: Speed Boost / Tinted Lens / Frisk
<p>Yanmega's high 116 Special Attack along with two excellent abilities in Tinted Lens and Speed Boost make it a capable wallbreaker or sweeper that can destroy opposing teams. Choice Specs Yanmega is a ridiculous powerhouse, as it blows through resists due to Tinted Lens and destroys the majority of the tier bar a few Pokemon in the tier. If you want Yanmega to sweep, though, it can perform that role with a simple Life Orb set with Speed Boost to make it so Yanmega becomes harder to revenge kill with every accumulated boost as well as still hitting relatively hard. Despite some resistances to Fighting, Grass, and Bug attacks, Yanmega's typing is its main downfall, as it creates a x4 weakness to Stealth Rock that essentially forces you to run a spinner alongside Yanmega. Yanmega also has a shallow movepool that doesn't create many options for it to run and poor special bulk that causes it to struggle taking any remotely powerful attack. All in all, though, Yanmega is a terrific offensive Pokemon in UU that should never be taken lightly.</p>

Zapdos
Base Stats: 90 HP / 90 Atk / 85 Def / 125 SpA / 90 SpD / 100 Spe
Abilities: Pressure / Lightningrod (Unreleased)
<p>Zapdos is among UU's best Pokemon, and this is all in part to its great stats that allow it to perform as on the offensive or defensive, making it very versatile. Zapdos's best set utilizes its highest stats to the fullest, with a Life Orb set that is capable of doing great damage with its decent coverage and powerful Thunderbolts, while outspeeding key threats such as Kingdra and Nidoking. Zapdos can also use its ability, Pressure, to great success with a SubRoost set that is capable of taking many powerful hits and forcing them out with a potentially threatening attack, which allows Zapdos to get up a Substitute to avoid status, Roost off any potential damage, and stall out low PP moves like Stone Edge, making it hard to KO after it gets rolling. Zapdos also performs the role of a physically defensive and specially defensive Pokemon as well, being able to use its great bulk to its fullest extent and take a hit from the majority of powerful attackers. Zapdos can also bolster its offensive prowess as well with Choice Specs and Agility sets, as the former allows Zapdos to hit even harder than the Life Orb set, while the latter allows Zapdos to boost its speed to even higher levels which can make it an excellent late game sweeper. Zapdos does have its fair share of flaws, though. Zapdos suffers from being walled as an offensive Pokemon by omnipresent special walls, such as Umbreon and Snorlax, as well as Ground-types, such as Rhyperior and Swampert. Zapdos's staying power is dampered by a weakness to the common Stealth Rock, which is especially annoying for Zapdos as it will last much shorter than some other Pokemon if it switches in too many times to Stealth Rock. Don't let Zapdos's flaws from deterring you to use it, as it will not disappoint if you give it a shot.</p>

Zoroark
Base Stats: 60 HP / 105 Atk / 60 Def / 120 SpA / 60 SpD / 105 Spe
Ability: Illusion
<p>Zoroark's unique ability, Illusion, allows it to masquerade as the last member of your team, which can be useful when wanting to bait in a counter for that Pokemon to get beaten by Zoroark. This is especially useful for Fighting-types, who appreciate Zoroark's ability to bait and destroy their typical counters. While Team Preview may make you initially that this strategy is flawed, you could be thrown into a loop and be forced to think about what Pokemon it truly is. Zoroark's terrific 105 / 120 / 105 offenses allow it to perform well as an offensive Pokemon, whether it be through a Choice Specs set that can hit very hard and cripple defensive Pokemon with Trick, an all-out attacking set, a Nasty Plot set, and even a Choice Scarf set. However, Zoroark is a polar opposite when it comes to defensive prowess compared to its offensive stats, as it can never take a hit without taking massive damage or being KOed. Although Zoroark may be viewed as unusual in a sense, Illusion and great attacking stats are what solidifies its place in UU.</p>

Rotom-H
Base Stats: 50 HP / 65 Atk / 107 Def / 105 SpA / 107 SpD / 86 Spe
Ability: Levitate
<p>Rotom-H has seven resistances and a decent Special Attack, making it not hard to come in as well as deal out significant damage. Rotom-H performs best as a Choice Specs user that can nuke the tier with its powerful attacks, and thanks to its good STAB combination, Rotom-H is capable of denting plenty to everything in the tier with its STAB Overheat and can wither down bulky waters with Volt Switch. Rotom-H also sits at a good speed tier for a Choice Scarf set, being able to outspeed key threats such as Heracross and Nidoking. Rotom-H can also cripple some of its common switch ins with a Trick or burning them with a surprise Will-O-Wisp. Rotom-H's downfalls are the nasty Special Attack drop that Overheat comes with, making it not as spammable, as well as being weak to Stealth Rock, which can damper its switch in opportunities.</p>

Eh, Rotom-H isn't really that great of a check to Raikou or Zadpos because SubRoost Zapdos and SubCM Raikou can actually stall out Overheat PP. It also has a nasty SR weakness that doesn't make it as consistent to checking Electrics as say, Snorlax. I guess more offensive variants of Zapdos and Raikou can be checked, though, but I don't really think its worth mentioning.

Eh, Rotom-H isn't really that great of a check to Raikou or Zadpos because SubRoost Zapdos and SubCM Raikou can actually stall out Overheat PP. It also has a nasty SR weakness that doesn't make it as consistent to checking Electrics as say, Snorlax. I guess more offensive variants of Zapdos and Raikou can be checked, though, but I don't really think its worth mentioning.

Boltbeam resistance as well as resistance to heat wave(along with resistance to hp grass and flying, virtually every good move zapdos has)is one of Rotom-H's best perks. Also I can't list the number of times offensive zapdos have used roost on me only to be OHKOed. It can still check SubCM raikou somewhat. It can't win if iraikou gets too many boosts, thats why its a check.

Boltbeam resistance as well as resistance to heat wave(along with resistance to hp grass and flying, virtually every good move zapdos has)is one of Rotom-H's best perks. Also I can't list the number of times offensive zapdos have used roost on me only to be OHKOed. It can still check SubCM raikou somewhat. It can't win if iraikou gets too many boosts, thats why its a check.

Choice Scarf variants can only secure a KO with Overheat if Zapdos has taken SR and one round of LO damage. It also gets 2HKOed by Specs Raikou after SR as well by Thunderbolt, while failing to come close to KO it if your running the Choice Scarf variant. Plenty of other offensive Pokemon can check offensive Zapdos and Raikou, and while Rotom-H can technically check offensive Zapdos and Raikou, there's other Pokemon that can accomplish this goal even more effectively, like Snorlax, and that's why I didn't bother to mention it. The real reason why Rotom-H is decent in UU is because of its overall decent power and good STAB combination. It can also afford to run HP Grass to lure and heavily damage Rhyperior/Swampert, which can give an opening for another Pokemon, especially other Electrics and physical Fires. I already mentioned that Rotom-H has numerous resistances, and that's all I'm really going to put for in terms of defensive prowess.

Choice Scarf variants can only secure a KO with Overheat if Zapdos has taken SR and one round of LO damage. It also gets 2HKOed by Specs Raikou after SR as well by Thunderbolt, while failing to come close to KO it if your running the Choice Scarf variant. Plenty of other offensive Pokemon can check offensive Zapdos and Raikou, and while Rotom-H can technically check offensive Zapdos and Raikou, there's other Pokemon that can accomplish this goal even more effectively, like Snorlax, and that's why I didn't bother to mention it. The real reason why Rotom-H is decent in UU is because of its overall decent power and good STAB combination. It can also afford to run HP Grass to lure and heavily damage Rhyperior/Swampert, which can give an opening for another Pokemon, especially other Electrics and physical Fires. I already mentioned that Rotom-H has numerous resistances, and that's all I'm really going to put for in terms of defensive prowess.

Whoa 2HKO
Well, that's why it's commonly run with a spinner but w/e. You should at least mention bulkier variants doing well imo or just it resisting boltbeam. Gj on the threatlist though, last time i checked it was outdated as fuck.

oh my gosh you found me

Banned deucer.

Oglemi, we're doing a final vote on Hail and Chandelure right now, so it would be best if you could wait a few days. If either/both of them end up getting banned, certain things will need to be adjusted for sure.

Sorry for the double post, but BECAUSE of the character limit that currently exists, I'm editing my article on this post and not the OP. (REMOVED Aggron and Eelektross and removed list of flaws from certain Pokemon)

<p>Accelgor is most notable for its unmatched base 145 Speed and access to Spikes, which allow it to become a very good suicide Spiker for offensive teams. Accelgor is no slouch offensively as well, with a decent 100 Special Attack that allows it to damage the opposition hard if needed. It also has some interesting movepool options, such as Final Gambit, which prevents the spinners from spinning away the Spikes temporarily, and Yawn, which can force switches and allow Accelgor to get more layers of Spikes up.</p>

<p>Ambipom is not the biggest offensive powerhouse in the tier, yet it does have some saving graces over its main competition, Cinccino. Having access to a Technician-boosted Fake Out and some moves Cinccino would love, such as Low Kick and Beat Up, makes Ambipom not completely outclassed. Ambipom can still be a sufficient offensive threat against frailer offensive teams, which keeps it from becoming dead weight on a team. Use Ambipom to its advantages, or else it will play out as an inferior Cinccino.</p>

<p>Arcanine's decent base 110 Attack and excellent abilities in Intimidate and Flash Fire allow it to distinguish itself from the multitude of other Fire-types in the tier. Access to the vaunted ExtremeSpeed, along with other goodies such as Flare Blitz and Close Combat, makes Arcanine capable of separating it from Darmanitan and Victini, who would outclass Arcanine otherwise. Intimidate gives Arcanine a buffer in defensive capabilities, making it surprisingly sturdy on the physical side when fully invested.</p>

<p>Azelf's terrific offensive stats and great movepool options make it a powerful threat in UU. Azelf is best known for being a lead that can set up Stealth Rock or dual screens early in the game, which can be extremely beneficial for more offensive teams. Azelf also has access to Nasty Plot, which makes it an insanely threatening sweeper if it gains the opportunity to set up.</p>

<p>Thanks to Huge Power doubling its Attack stat to be on the level of powerhouses like Rayquaza, Azumarill is among the most powerful physical attackers in the tier, along with being the best physical Water-type in the tier. Azumarill makes a great Choice Band user, which truly showcases Azumarill's absolutely destructive potential. Priority Aqua Jet is another positive trait for Azumarill, because while relatively weak, it can pick off frailer or weakened Pokemon.</p>

<p>Although UU is full of Fighting- and Fire-types, Bisharp manages to sustain a decent niche as one of the few offensive Dark-types in the tier. This is all in part due to a coveted Steel typing that grants multiple set-up opportunities with Swords Dance and STAB Sucker Punch. Thanks to its high base 125 Attack, Bisharp becomes lethal when set-up, and it can destroy much of the tier with its boosted attacks. Defiant is a good ability as well, making Intimidate users such as Qwilfish rendered as set-up fodder.</p>

<p>Thanks to Skill Link, Cinccino has the potential to be a major threat to any team with its multiple-hitting moves that can break through Focus Sash and Substitutes. Cinccino's excellent 115 Speed, along with a decent 95 Attack, allow Cinccino to smash offensive teams with its good coverage and strong attacks. It can also gain momentum for teams with U-turn, which allows Cinccino to pivot out of a bad situation.</p>

<p>Cobalion can stand out from other Fighting-types with its great 108 base Speed and unique typing that grants it a 4x resistance to Stealth Rock as well as a good slew of resistances. This makes Cobalion a very usable Swords Dance sweeper, which can mitigate its somewhat lackluster Attack to very sweepable levels. Thanks to a usable 90 base Special Attack, Cobalion can run Hidden Power Ice for Gligar on the Swords Dance set, as well as becoming a viable Calm Mind attacker. Cobalion also has access to some interesting supportive moves, such as Stealth Rock and Volt Switch. Combine that with a high 129 base Defense, and Cobalion can perform a defensive role very well.</p>

<p>Cofagrigus has become a common sight in UU thanks to the influx of Fighting-types in the tier, which makes it a popular choice for teams. Thanks to a high base 145 Defense and good base 95 Special Attack, Cofagrigus can switch into all Fighting-types with the exception being Scrafty and become threatening by using an offensive Trick Room set. Offensive Trick Room Cofagrigus can turn the tides of a battle by setting up Trick Room and a Nasty Plot, creating a potential threat that can do major damage. It gets perfect coverage with Shadow Ball and Hidden Power Fighting, making it tough to wall as well.</p>

<p>Crobat's unique typing gives it great resistances to Fighting, Grass, and Bug, making it a very good switch-in to the main attacks of Scrafty, Shaymin, Heracross, and Yanmega. Thanks to its base 130 Speed and access to moves such as Roost and Taunt, Crobat can perform the role of a stallbreaker very well. Crobat is no slouch offensively, as access to Brave Bird and a decent base 90 Attack that makes it a good candidate for a Choice Band set. Crobat can also get out of an unfavorable situation via U-turn, which can help gain momentum for your team.</p>

<p>Crustle's niche lies in that is one of the better suicide lead entry hazard setters in UU. Thanks to Sturdy acting like a pseudo-Focus Sash, Crustle can activate a Custap Berry and easily get up at least Stealth Rock and one layer of Spikes. Crustle is no slouch offensively, as it is capable of threatening some annoying Pokemon such as Crobat and Xatu, which can both be a hindrance towards hazard stacking. Crustle can pull its weight on offensive teams needing a good hazard setter, and it makes a decent choice for any team wanting its valuable support.</p>

<p>Darmanitan is simply a nuke that can easily wreck the majority of the tier. Thanks to Sheer Force and a gigantic base 140 Attack, Darmanitan's Life Orb Flare Blitz is among the strongest attacks in UU, which allows it to break through anything that doesn't resist it and have good physical defense. Choice Scarf Darmanitan also performs relatively well, being able to clean up weakened teams with Flare Blitz, while sitting comfortably ahead of Choice Scarf Heracross and Krookodile. Darmanitan's access to U-turn allows to escape out of an incredibly unfavorable situation, which can be useful for gaining momentum.</p>

<p>Druddigon is one of the few viable Dragon types in UU, and it can perform excellently in the tier. Thanks to a monster base 120 Attack, Druddigon is the strongest Dragon in the tier, making it a beastly Choice Band user. No Pokemon in the UU tier can safely switch into Druddigon without taking major damage because of its absolutely destructive nature; even Bronzong, the nemesis for Flygon, which is Druddigon's major competition, cannot handle Druddigon because of Mold Breaker Earthquake. Druddigon can even go a more defensive route and become a reliable Stealth Rock setter that is able to spread paralysis with Glare, while effectively combating the physical Fire-types of the tier courtesy of its typing.</p>

<p>Durant's numerous positive traits, such as its Hustle-boosted base 109 Attack and excellent 109 Speed, make it a Pokemon to watch out for. Thanks to Hone Claws, Durant can negate the drop in accuracy that Hustle brings along, while instantaneously becoming a substantial threat when set up. Choice Band Durant is another very viable set, allowing Durant to not feel forced to set up and wreck a good portion of the tier with its Hustle-boosted attacks. Durant, when used correctly, can definitely sweep when the right Pokemon are out of the way.</p>

<p>Escavalier's titanic base 135 Attack, along with good 70 / 105 / 105 defenses and a great Steel / Bug typing make it a threat to watch out for in any UU match. These numerous positive traits make Escavalier a brilliant nuke with a Choice Band STAB Megahorn and Iron Head, while being able to combat some extremely relevant threats, such as Weavile and Shaymin. Escavalier can perform a defensive role as well, courtesy of its numerous resistances and great bulk that makes it shine when combating numerous amounts of Pokemon relevant in UU.</p>

<p>Flygon is one of the few viable Dragons in UU, and it makes its mark as one of the best offensive threats. Thanks to a great STAB combination being resisted by only Bronzong in UU, Flygon can threaten a wide variety of Pokemon in UU with its Choice Band-boosted attacks. Resistance to all entry hazards due to Levitate and a Ground typing makes Flygon one of the few Pokemon that is not worn down easily by hazards. Flygon is also a cut above a whole slew of Pokemon with a base 100 Speed that allows it to outspeed Darmanitan, Roserade, and neutral Kingdra. This can also make Flygon a decent candidate for a classic Choice Scarf set. While it may not be an best option for a Choice Scarf user, it has its advantages over Mienshao because of its overall better bulk and unique resistances and immunities.</p>

<p>Gallade may look helplessly outclassed by the other common Fighting-types of the tier, but it does have a few tricks up its sleeves that can help distinguish it from its competition. Firstly, Gallade has access to a secondary Psychic STAB, which is useful considering the rise in popularity of Poison-types in UU that will get destroyed by Gallade's Psycho Cut. This makes Gallade a fearsome Swords Dance attacker capable of destroying many things that other Fighting-types struggle against with the appropriate move. For example, Gligar is OHKOed by a +2 Ice Punch, while Cofagrigus is 2HKOed by +2 Psycho Cut, and thanks to Gallade's good Special Defense, it can take a Shadow Ball and retaliate with another Psycho Cut.</p>

<p>Galvantula seems purely outclassed at first glance, considering Raikou and Zapdos have higher Special Attack and much better bulk. However, Galvantula has overall better coverage than both with STAB Bug Buzz to hit Shaymin and Psychic-types, Giga Drain to hit Rhyperior and Swampert for massive damage, the two biggest pains to Raikou and Zapdos, and Hidden Power Ice to smack Gligar and Flygon. Galvantula also has access to Compoundeyes Thunder, which hits harder than a Life Orb Zapdos Thunderbolt given the higher Base Power. Its high base Speed also puts it above many metagame relevant threats, such as Mienshao and Zapdos itself.</p>

<p>Gorebyss is one of only three Pokemon that has the combination of Shell Smash, the best boosting move in the game, and Baton Pass, which can give a powerhouse of the tier to shine because of its increased offensive stats. Gorebyss's main draw over Smeargle, its main SmashPass competitor, is more offensive prowess, which allows Gorebyss to threaten anything that may switch in if needed thanks to its high 114 Special Attack. SmashPass may not be as popular or threatening as it once was in early BW, but Gorebyss still makes a very viable user of the deadly combination and is definitely something to watch out for.</p>

<p>Heracross is one of the defining, if not the defining, Pokemon in UU. With a toy gained from BW2 in Moxie along with a high base 125 Attack, Choice Scarf Heracross is among the best late-game cleaners of the tier. With access to a Bug STAB in Megahorn, Heracross can heavily damage Slowbro, which is a thorn in the side to the majority of other common Fighting-types. It isn't exactly one dimensional either; a Swords Dance set can easily set up on common Choice Scarf Heracross counters, such as Gligar, while a Choice Band set can do massive damage to the majority of the tier.</p>

<p>Hitmonlee seems outclassed at first glance, due to the other Fighting-types having more defined niches compared to it. Hitmonlee does have a unique niche though, as it can become a Reversal sweeper thanks to Endure and an excellent ability in Unburden, which will activate after a Liechi Berry boost, making Hitmonlee a fearsome sweeper capable of wiping the floor with opposing teams. Unfortunately for Hitmonlee, the metagame is somewhat hostile with many common answers to Fighting-types in Cofagrigus and Slowbro, which gives Hitmonlee headaches.</p>

<p>Honchkrow is a terrific offensive Pokemon, thanks to its high offensive stats along with an excellent ability in Moxie. With access to STAB Sucker Punch as well as a powerful Brave Bird, Honchkrow can hit like a truck as well as sweep offensive teams when obtaining Moxie boosts. Honchkrow's movepool options have widened since BW2, giving it Superpower and Heat Wave along with Moxie, making it even harder to wall. The key for Honchkrow is to get that first Moxie boost, which can lead to a snowball effect that can ultimately sweep weakened teams.</p>

<p>Houndoom has good offensive stats, with 90 / 110 / 95 offenses being above average in the tier. This makes Houndoom a good candidate for a mixed set, in which it can play mind games with its opponents with Sucker Punch and Pursuit. Houndoom is also a viable Nasty Plot sweeper, which bolsters its Special Attack to relatively high levels. Houndoom may not be very good in this current metagame because of numerous flaws, but its unique niches are something that players may desire when building a team.</p>

<p>Kingdra is among the best Pokemon in UU, thanks to its unique Water / Dragon typing that gives it only one weakness and a destructive STAB combination. Kingdra's well balanced offensive stats allow it to perform well both physically and specially. This makes Empoleon and Slowking the only fail-safe counters to Kingdra in the tier due its incredible versatility. Kingdra's Substitute + Dragon Dance set can set up on many Pokemon due to its great resistances while avoiding status that Kingdra despises. Thanks to Dragon Dance and a good STAB combination, Kingdra is able to dent Pokemon heavily with its STAB Outrage and Waterfall. Kingdra can also perform well as a deadly Rain Dance sweeper, which destroys the majority of the tier with its rain-boosted Hydro Pumps while easily outspeeding everything in the tier, including Choice Scarf Mienshao. Kingdra's other options include an offensive Dragon Dance set that can reach even higher potential than the Substitute + Dragon Dance set with a potential double boost from Rain Dance or the ability to hit Slowbro hard with a Draco Meteor. A Choice Specs set is also viable even without rain support, and a ChestoRest set that can Rest off annoying status increases Kingdra's longevity. Kingdra's phenomenal traits make it a Pokemon that is well deserving of being among the best Pokemon in the tier that is key to watch out for.</p>

<p>Thanks to Moxie and relatively good attacking stats, Krookodile can perform very well as a revenge killer and a possible cleaner. Krookodile has access to Pursuit as well, which helps put Pokemon such as Azelf and Mew in a checkmate situation. However, Krookodile has its flaws. The metagame is very hostile towards it, with the ridiculous popularity of Choice Scarf Mienshao and Heracross, both of which can destroy Krookodile with their STAB moves, and in Heracross's case, resist both STABs and give Krookodile competition as a Moxie cleaner. Krookodile also lacks good bulk and typing, with plenty of common weaknesses as well as having a tough time switching into any remotely strong hit.</p>

<p>Lilligant's main draw over other Grass-types is its access to the rare Quiver Dance, an excellent boosting move that makes Lilligant an incredible threat after a boost or two. Lilligant also has Sleep Powder to put something to sleep to increase the ease of setting up several Quiver Dances. Lilligant can even opt for the raw power that Petal Dance offers over a reliable STAB in Giga Drain, and because of Own Tempo, Lilligant will not get confused after the sequence ends.</p>

<p>Other Fighting-types have several advantages that make them better choices for their offensive teams over Machamp; Heracross has Moxie and the ability to set up on so-called counters, Mienshao hits brutally hard with Hi Jump Kick and creates the benchmark for Choice Scarf users, Scrafty has an excellent STAB combination, while Cobalion and Virizion have much higher Speed that makes them both capable of being Swords Dance sweepers. Machamp's niche is getting harder to see, but its access to a perfectly accurate No Guard DynamicPunch that always confuses, along with its excellent base 130 Attack and better bulk than a majority of Fighting-types, keep it somewhat relevant in UU. Machamp can use Substitute and Bulk Up sets to a very capable degree, as both can immensely threaten a good amount of Pokemon in UU.</p>

<p>Steel-types are a lot less common down in UU than they are in OU, and this dampers Magneton's Steel trapping capabilities somewhat. Due to the lack of viable Steel-types, Magneton may not be the premier choice for your team, considering the better offensive Electric-types of the tier. However, Magneton can easily trap the most common Steel-type, Bronzong, with the combination of Magnet Rise and Substitute that makes Bronzong incapable of breaking Magneton's Substitutes without multiple Gyro Balls, while getting withered down with repeated Thunderbolts. Magneton can also make quick work of the faster Steel-types that roam the tier with a Choice Scarf set; while this set lacks the ability to destroy Bronzong, it can revenge kill Cobalion and Durant easily with a Hidden Power Fire. Magneton isn't limited to trapping, as a Choice Specs set with Analytic can destroy even the bulkiest of walls, which makes Magneton a very capable wallbreaker. Although Magneton's niche as a Steel killer is somewhat small, it is the only Pokemon capable of performing that niche and doing it well.</p>

<p>Medicham's access to Pure Power keeps it from hitting absolute obscurity, as it is a really poor Pokemon otherwise. With its Attack stat doubled, Medicham is a true powerhouse, for lack of a better term. Medicham performs well as a Choice Band user in conjunction with Choice Scarf Heracross, as Medicham is capable of eliminating all common answers to Heracross with the appropriate move. This gives Medicham a great niche in helping out one of the biggest threats in UU reach its full potential.</p>

<p>Meloetta's terrific base 128 Special Attack and Special Defense stats, along with its unique typing that grants it a Ghost immunity, give it an advantage over its fellow special attacking Psychic-types Azelf and Mew. This makes Meloetta a great offensive Calm Mind user that hits brutally hard after one or two boosts. Meloetta also performs a Choice Specs set exceptionally well, being able to destroy many Pokemon with its boosted attacks. A Substitute + Calm Mind set is also viable, using Meloetta's great special stats to great potential, while its typing is something that gives Meloetta an advantage over Raikou, its main competitor for the role.</p>

<p>Mienshao is one of the premier Fighting-types in the UU tier. With an excellent 105 base Speed and high 125 base Attack, Mienshao is by far the best user of Choice Scarf in the tier. Mienshao is also capable of using a Life Orb set to a very capable degree, and as an extra bonus, it can get rid of Gligar with a swift Hidden Power Ice thanks to its decent 95 Special Attack. It also has two excellent abilities in Regenerator and Reckless; the former helps regain lost health, which is especially helpful when using the Life Orb set, while the latter boosts Hi Jump Kick's power to unimaginable heights. Mienshao also has access to U-turn and Baton Pass, which helps it get out of an unfavorable situation and maneuver around its common answers.</p>

<p>Mismagius is often shafted in favor of the bulkier Cofagrigus, which can combat the Fighting-types that Mismagius could even lose to because of its somewhat poor physical bulk. Despite new competition, Mismagius still has a niche of being a fast set-up sweeper, which can be advantageous considering that Cofagrigus is forced to use Trick Room if it so desires to sweep. Mismagius also has access to Levitate, which makes it the most entry hazard resistant Ghost, as well as some useful support moves in Thunder Wave and Heal Bell, meaning it isn't completely outclassed by Cofagrigus and Sableye as a defensive Ghost.</p>

<p>Nidoking is a very powerful offensive threat, as its fantastic movepool and good attacking stats are augmented by Sheer Force. This makes Nidoking a brilliant offensive threat that can thrive once given a switch in. If you desire a fully offensive Pokemon that can nuke even the best special walls with its brutal attacks, look no further than Nidoking.</p>

<p>Nidoqueen's unique resistances, including valuable resistances to Fighting, Bug, and an immunity to Electric, and access to Stealth Rock in conjunction with Sheer Force, has made Nidoqueen very popular. Nidoqueen performs the role of a bulky offensive Stealth Rock setter very well, as it is capable of threatening the metagame with its excellent movepool while discouraging the spinners and Xatu from coming in because they fail to take multiple hits from the appropriate move. The resistances that Nidoqueen has are even more important considering the popularity of Heracross and Mienshao, which are both handled by Nidoqueen. If you need a more defensive route to Nidoqueen, though, a defensive set is still viable and becomes an even better answer to the omnipresent Fighting-types.</p>

<p>Omastar's access to Shell Smash, one of the best boosting moves, makes it a formidable sweeper that can destroy teams after the right Pokemon are out of the way. Omastar's high base 115 Special Attack is nothing to scoff at, as with a Shell Smash boost, Omastar's Hydro Pumps destroy everything in the tier that doesn't resist it. Omastar can also use its Dream World ability, Weak Armor, to great potential, since if it switches into a Choice-locked Flare Blitz or a weak physical attack, and boosts with Shell Smash, it will be able to outspeed Choice Scarf Mienshao, the troubling Pokemon for most set up sweepers. Omastar can also run a support set, putting its high base 125 Defense and access to Stealth Rock and Spikes to good use.</p>

<p>Porygon-Z, unlike its pre-evolution Porygon2, was made for sweeping with its super high base 135 Special Attack along with terrific abilities in Adaptability and Download. Agility Porygon-Z is a substantial threat in UU, as its ability to clean weakened teams is remarkable when backed by a Download boost. Another way to patch up Porygon-Z's meager Speed is a Choice Scarf set that can be a capable revenge killer. If you want Porygon-Z to wallbreak, though, Choice Specs and Nasty Plot sets with Adaptability are particularly destructive to even the bulkiest of special walls.</p>

<p>Raikou is among the most threatening offensive Pokemon in the tier, and that is due to its high base 115 Special Attack and Speed stats. Raikou makes the best candidate for a Substitute + Calm Mind set that is capable of setting up and threatening a great majority of Pokemon in the tier. Raikou is also capable of using Choice Specs to a great degree as well, as it can forgo the need to set-up and just hit hard right off the bat. Life Orb and Choice Scarf sets are also somewhat decent, as they both have their uses that can thrive when used correctly.</p>

<p>Rhyperior thrives as a solid counter to Raikou and Zapdos, two major threats in the tier, and this is all due in part to Solid Rock, which patches up Rhyperior's weak Special Defense. Thanks to Solid Rock, standard tank Rhyperior can even stomach a Life Orb Hidden Power Grass from offensive Zapdos, and it can KO both Raikou and Zapdos with Earthquake and Rock Blast, respectively. Rhyperior can also answer the physical Fire-types of the tier thanks to its overall high Defense, while being able to set up Stealth Rock on the opposing side. Rhyperior is definitely no slouch on the offensive side, as a base 140 Attack is among the highest in UU, which allows Rhyperior to run solid Choice Band and Rock Polish sets along with a STAB EdgeQuake combination.</p>

<p>Roserade may have fallen out of the top spot in UU, but it is foolish to think of it as a non-threat these days. Roserade's high base 125 Special Attack and relatively decent base 90 Speed allows it to hit like a truck with its brutal STAB Leaf Storms and Sludge Bombs. Roserade is capable of putting a counter to sleep as well with its access to Sleep Powder. Roserade also has access to Spikes, which are invaluable to the UU metagame. Due to its good Special Defense and Natural Cure, Roserade can also choose to go a defensive route in order to handle bulky Water-types relatively well and lay layers of Spikes down.</p>

<p>Rotom-C's unique Grass / Electric typing and Levitate offers it great resistances to Water, Electric, and an immunity to Ground attacks. This allows it to combat several very relevant defensive Pokemon, such as Rhyperior, Swampert, and Slowbro. Rotom-C is best used as a Choice Scarf user that utilizes its nice base 86 Speed to barely outrun Heracross and Nidoking, which is always useful, while maintaining excellent momentum with Volt Switch and messing with its counters with Trick. Rotom-C can also perform a defensive role well too, considering its ability to combat bulky Water-types, access to Will-O-Wisp, and overall decent bulk. If you want absolute raw power, though, Choice Specs Rotom-C can destroy common Pokemon that don't resist its Grass STAB with Leaf Storm. Since Rotom-C is so commonly seen as a Choice Pokemon, it can even catch them off guard with an Expert Belt set, which can effectively eliminate annoying Pokemon such as Rhyperior and Swampert, which can then open up opportunities for other Pokemon to thrive.</p>

<p>Rotom-H has seven resistances and a decent Special Attack, allowing it to come in easily and deal out significant damage. Rotom-H performs best as a Choice Specs user that can nuke the tier with its powerful attacks, and thanks to its good STAB combination, Rotom-H is capable of denting everything in the tier with its STAB Overheat and can wither down bulky Water-types with Volt Switch. Rotom-H also sits at a good Speed tier for a Choice Scarf set, being able to outspeed key threats such as Heracross and Nidoking. Rotom-H can also cripple some of its common switch-ins with a Trick or burn them with a surprise Will-O-Wisp.</p>

<p>Sceptile seems to be outclassed by other offensive Grass-types, such as Shaymin, Roserade, and Lilligant, all of which have their own unique perks over it. But Sceptile has a niche in that it is the only viable Grass-type Swords Dance sweeper in the tier. Sceptile is significantly faster than a wide majority of the tier, being outsped by only Weavile and Crobat, although standard Crobat only runs enough Speed to outspeed Azelf, which can allow Sceptile to outspeed and KO with a +2 Flying Gem-boosted Acrobatics. Speaking of Acrobatics, it allows Sceptile to get around opposing Grass-types and makes it nearly impossible to revenge kill without taking too much damage. Sceptile can even run a special attacking set because of its high Speed, which can put dents in some common Pokemon.</p>

<p>Scolipede has access to Spikes, which is always a good thing in UU considering how valuable Spikers are. Scolipede's main advantage over Accelgor is its powerful STAB Megahorn that can leave dents in many Pokemon. Scolipede is also relatively fast, being able to outspeed key threats such as Mienshao and Mew, allowing it to lay even more Spikes in front of them or heavily dent them.</p>

<p>Scrafty's brilliant STAB combination is only resisted by Heracross in UU and makes it a formidable offensive threat. Even though Scrafty has a middling Speed stat, it makes up for that with Dragon Dance, which can make it a very offensive threat with Moxie. Scrafty can also perform a more defensively inclined role with Bulk Up, being able to set up on a good amount of defensive Pokemon thanks to Shed Skin and allowing for Rest to be a good option for recovery because of the 30% chance to wake up early. If you want Scrafty to hit hard right off the bat, Choice Band Scrafty is able to do that, with its extra coverage helping it against certain threats that it can't cover with a Dragon Dance set as well as hitting immediately hard, being able to 2HKO even defensive Swampert.</p>

<p>Sharpedo was never really a great offensive threat in past generations, as its extreme frailty and poor defensive typing left it outclassed. However, with Speed Boost thanks to Dream World, Sharpedo is among UU's biggest offensive threats. Sharpedo's most common set is a physical sweeper that can hit the metagame hard with its Life Orb-boosted Waterfall and Crunch. Sharpedo also can do the surprising role of a special sweeper that is capable of beating a good number of Pokemon that can otherwise combat the physical set. As the Speed boosts stack up, Sharpedo suddenly becomes harder to revenge kill and can tear up weakened teams, making it one of the best cleaners in the tier.</p>

<p>Shaymin is the best answer to Water-types available in the tier, being able to handle Scald burns thanks to Natural Cure and its overall balanced stats. Shaymin makes an excellent offensive Pokemon as well, with access to STAB Seed Flare that has a 40% chance to drop a Pokemon's Special Defense by 2 stages, which can force the special walls of the tier to switch or take the fall. Shaymin also has access to some great coverage moves that can dent switch-ins hard, such as Earth Power to smack Fire-types and Psychic to heavily dent Heracross and Crobat switch-ins.</p>

<p>Smeargle's atrocious stats may make it seem like it is completely out of place in UU, but its unique traits give it a niche that not many other Pokemon can perform as well. Thanks to Sketch, Smeargle can utilize every move at its disposal, which can make it a great Baton Passer or hazard setter. Smeargle is one of three Pokemon with the famed SmashPass combination, and its access to Spore to incapacitate a foe along with a good Speed stat give it an advantage over Gorebyss. When Baton Passed, the SmashPass recipient can reach immense offensive potential that allows it to possibly sweep teams. Smeargle also performs the role of setting hazards down very well. While other hazard setters may have better offensive prowess, Smeargle has access to Spore, which guarantees that a Pokemon is crippled along with getting hazards up. Unfortunately, Smeargle's stats don't allow for much else to use in its movepool, but its incredible support is something that is desired for any offensive UU team.</p>

<p>Snorlax is one of the best Pokemon in UU, and it's not hard to see why. Snorlax has a meaty base 160 HP, along with a good base 110 Attack and Special Defense. These attributes make Snorlax an excellent offensive check to the majority of threatening special attackers, such as Raikou and offensive Trick Room Cofagrigus. Snorlax can also perform well as both an offensive and defensive Curse sweeper. Even though Umbreon performs better at being a special wall thanks to Wish and Heal Bell, Snorlax can perform a RestTalk set, which has Whirlwind, a major advantage over Umbreon. Snorlax's phenomenal traits make it among the most valuable Pokemon in UU, and it can find a place on any team needing its excellent special bulk.</p>

<p>Togekiss is among the most annoying Pokemon in the tier with its 60% chance to flinch the opponent with Air Slash thanks to Serene Grace. But an annoying Pokemon is also an excellent Pokemon in its own merits, as Togekiss's 85 / 95 / 115 bulk gives it impressive mixed bulk, along with reliable recovery in Roost and great supporting moves such as Heal Bell and Thunder Wave. With access to Nasty Plot and a relatively high Special Attack, Togekiss is no slouch offensively either, being able to hit the tier for decent damage with its Air Slashes. Togekiss's best set is a physically defensive set that can set up several Nasty Plots because of the extra bulk given, as well as wreck stall with Heal Bell to heal status or Thunder Wave to use the famous paraflinch combination to great success. Togekiss can also take on a specially defensive role with the same set, which takes advantage of Togekiss's higher Special Defense. Togekiss is a Pokemon that can leave its mark as a destructive Pokemon in right hands, and it has earned a spot as a top tier Pokemon.</p>

<p>Being shunned out of OU by its Therian form when it demolished OU, Tornadus dropped to the UU tier. While it misses its permanent rain, it is still a threatening Pokemon because of its terrific mixed attacking stats and high base 111 Speed. Tornadus can set up the rain manually, with access to Prankster Rain Dance, which allows it to spam its Hurricanes without having to dread the 70% accuracy. Tornadus has the right amount of coverage moves, being able to destroy Rhyperior with a Grass Knot and Snorlax and Umbreon with Superpower, which essentially equates to limited switch-ins. Tornadus can also perform outside of the rain well, with a Bulk Up set that can use its +1 Flying Gem-boosted Acrobatics to annihilate anything that doesn't have high enough physical defense or resists it.</p>

<p>Venomoth is brilliant at what it does best, which is Baton Passing Quiver Dances to threatening Pokemon. Venomoth is often a very high-reward low-risk Pokemon with the number of great receivers of Quiver Dance boosts that exists such as Nidoqueen and Togekiss. It doesn't have a dreadful time setting up either, thanks to its access to Sleep Powder to cripple an opposing Pokemon along with its ability Wonder Skin that avoids Roar 50% of the time, which can allow Venomoth to set up multiple Quiver Dances and outright beat the Roar user. Venomoth is an extremely potent Pokemon and can be deadly when given a clean window of opportunity.</p>

<p>Victini's adorable looks are deceiving, as it is among the deadliest offensive threats in the tier. Victini's signature move, V-create, is ridiculously powerful, and when boosted with a Choice Band, it will often put big dents in anything that lacks good Defense and a resistance. Victini can also smack bulky Water-types exceedingly hard with its newly gained Bolt Strike, and it can also U-turn out if a counter is sent to handle it. Victini's best counters to its Choice Band set, such as Rhyperior and Swampert, all are destroyed by a more specially based set with Grass Knot to annihilate them all. Victini is extremely potent with its special set with a strong special STAB in Blue Flare, while luring in its typical counters and wrecking them with the appropriate coverage move. Victini can even run V-create on its special set to fool its slower counters into thinking its a physical set, then destroying them with a Grass Knot or even a Thunder, if you are willing to play risky, to have a chance to OHKO Slowbro as well as 2HKO Slowking. V-create also has the plus of 2HKOing Umbreon even without investment, an impressive feat that leaves Snorlax as the only secure counter to the special attacking Victini. Snorlax itself is destroyed by a Choice Band V-create, so Victini in that sense lacks solid counters. Victini can surprise you in many ways that could put a big hole in your defensive coverage.</p>

<p>In a tier filled to the brim with Fighting-types, Virizion can distinguish itself from the pack with its access to Grass STAB to destroy Slowbro, a Pokemon that will often wall the majority of Fighting-types, along with other bulky Water-types. Virizion also has a great base 108 Speed and two excellent set up moves in Swords Dance and Calm Mind, both of which can make Virizion a truly threatening Pokemon.</p>

<p>Weavile is a terrific offensive threat that is capable of cleaning weakened teams late-game thanks to its ridiculously high base 125 Speed and good base 120 Attack. Weavile is best used as a Swords Dance sweeper, as it can pick off frailer Choice Scarf users like Mienshao easily with a +2 Ice Shard, while being capable of threatening the majority of the metagame with its boosted attacks. If you want Weavile to be a more dedicated revenge killer, it can perform that admirably with Pursuit to checkmate Ghost- and Psychic-types when using an all-out attacking set.</p>

<p>Yanmega's high base 116 Special Attack along with two excellent abilities in Tinted Lens and Speed Boost make it a capable wallbreaker or sweeper that can destroy opposing teams. Choice Specs Yanmega is a ridiculous powerhouse, as it blows through resists due to Tinted Lens and destroys the majority of the tier bar a few Pokemon. If you want Yanmega to sweep, though, it can perform that role with a simple Life Orb set with Speed Boost to make it so Yanmega becomes harder to revenge kill with every accumulated boost.</p>

<p>Zapdos is among UU's best Pokemon, and this is all due in part to its great stats that allow it to perform as an offensive or defensive threat, making it very versatile. Zapdos's best set utilizes its highest stats to the fullest, with a Life Orb set that is capable of doing great damage with its decent coverage and powerful Thunderbolts, while outspeeding key threats such as Kingdra and Nidoking. Zapdos can also use its ability, Pressure, to great success with a SubRoost set that is capable of taking many powerful hits and forcing them out with a potentially threatening attack, which allows Zapdos to get up a Substitute to avoid status, Roost off any potential damage, and stall out low PP moves like Stone Edge. Zapdos also performs the role of a physically defensive and specially defensive Pokemon as well, being able to use its great bulk to take a hit from the majority of powerful attackers. Zapdos can also bolster its offensive prowess as well with Choice Specs and Agility sets, as the former allows Zapdos to hit even harder than the Life Orb set, while the latter allows Zapdos to boost its Speed to even higher levels which can make it an excellent late-game sweeper.</p>

<p>Zoroark's unique ability, Illusion, allows it to masquerade as the last member of your team, which can be useful when wanting to bait in a counter for that Pokemon to get beaten by Zoroark. This is especially useful for Fighting-types, who appreciate Zoroark's ability to bait and destroy their typical counters. While Team Preview may make you think initially that this strategy is flawed, you could be thrown through a loop and be forced to think about what Pokemon it truly is. Zoroark's terrific 105 / 120 / 105 offenses allow it to perform well as an offensive Pokemon, whether it be through a Choice Specs set that can hit very hard and cripple defensive Pokemon with Trick, an all-out attacking set, or a Nasty Plot set.</p>

<p>Thanks to its access to Regenerator and the rare Spore, Amoonguss can stand out among other Grass-types. Amoonguss has valuable resistances to Fighting, Electric, and Water, along with a meaty base 114 HP stat, which allows it to combat some of UU's biggest threats, such as Mienshao and Kingdra.</p>

<p>Having access to the ever useful Rapid Spin gives Blastoise an edge over other bulky Water-types that would otherwise outclass it. Blastoise is the most reliable spinner in UU, having access to moves such as Foresight and Scald to make it annoying for Ghost-types to spinblock against it. Blastoise is no set-up fodder either, with the aforementioned Scald as well as phazing moves in Roar and Dragon Tail. If you desperately need Rapid Spin support, Blastoise will usually be your best choice for the job.</p>

<p>Bronzong's base 116 defenses and plethora of resistances and immunities make it a good defensive Pokemon that can take on some incredibly threatening Pokemon, such as Flygon, Weavile, and Choice Band Snorlax. Due to its great defenses and amount of opportunities to switch into threatening Pokemon, Bronzong can have many chances to set up Stealth Rock with relative ease. Bronzong also has some great movepool options, such as dual screens and Trick Room.</p>

<p>Claydol's main niche in the UU tier lies in having the treasured Rapid Spin, but it is not a good user of the move. Claydol suffers from extremely low offensive prowess, which means it will struggle massively to get through any of the Ghost-types in the tier. This makes Claydol a very poor spinner in the tier, and by far the most unreliable. Claydol, despite having excellent 60 / 105 / 120 defenses, has many crippling weaknesses to Dark, Bug, Ghost, Ice, and Water attacks, which makes it even mediocre defensively. Even though Claydol has some redeeming factors in resistances to all hazards, access to Stealth Rock, and an Electric immunity, do consider Blastoise, a much better spinner, over Claydol when looking for Rapid Spin support.</p>

<p>Cresselia is among the most sturdy defensive behemoths of the tier. With great 120 / 120 / 130 bulk, Cresselia is able to stomach a huge number of attacks that UU has to offer. Cresselia has some great movepool options as well, such as Thunder Wave and dual screens, that make it a brilliant supporter for all teams. Thanks to Moonlight, Cresselia has a reliable recovery move due to the lack of weather in the tier. Cresselia's amazing bulk and support should not be neglected, as it is among the best defensive Pokemon in the tier.</p>

<p>Dusclops suffers from many fatal flaws that leave it outclassed by Cofagrigus and other Ghost-types, which are better fits on a majority of teams. Despite having titanic defenses thanks to Eviolite, Dusclops is mediocre overall because it fails to threaten much with its pathetic offenses, having to rely on Night Shade to do any damage to the opposition. However, Dusclops can fit on full stall teams, in which it can use Curse to keep Blastoise and Hitmontop from spinning away Spikes while making the spinners take a considerable amount of damage. If you are in the mood to build a UU team that isn't based around stall, consider Cofagrigus or Sableye before Dusclops, as they have more redeeming factors that make them much more fit for the majority of teams compared to Dusclops.</p>

<p>Empoleon's unique Water / Steel typing gives it a plethora of resistances, while a base 111 Special Attack can make Empoleon a very formidable offensive threat. Thanks to BW2, Empoleon can finally run its classic SubPetaya set with Agility, which can become a formidable sweeper once it hits its full potential with Torrent activated. Empoleon can use its slew of resistances to good use with a specially defensive set capable of easily beating all variants of Kingdra, a rare feat, as well as set up the valuable Stealth Rock. If you want a powerful Empoleon right off the bat with no set up, Choice Specs Empoleon is the set you should be using. Empoleon's true power is showcased here, as offensive Snorlax and defensive Porygon2 are cleanly 2HKOed by Hydro Pump, while Umbreon has a high chance to get 2HKOed after Stealth Rock. While Empoleon may not be the best bulky Water-type or offensive attacker, its unique traits allow it to shine when necessary.</p>

<p>Ferroseed looks pathetic at first glance; with extremely poor stats across the board, it looks like a Pokemon never worth using. But with Eviolite equipped, Ferroseed can turn into a surprisingly durable Pokemon that can hold its own in a hostile metagame. Thanks to a Grass / Steel typing, Ferroseed is capable of handling some highly relevant threats, such as Rain Dance Kingdra and many Grass-types. Ferroseed, like its evolution in OU, has several great utility moves that many Pokemon lack, such as Spikes, Thunder Wave, and Leech Seed, which allows it to distinguish itself as a decent support Pokemon.</p>

<p>Gligar's claim to fame is its ability to combat a number of the common Fighting-types in the tier courtesy of its Ground / Flying typing as well as high physical bulk. Gligar is ridiculously bulky on the physical side thanks to Eviolite, allowing it to comfortably take a wide variety of physical hits and Roost off any damage, as well as provide Stealth Rock support. This may all seem extremely appealing, but Gligar has many flaws that make it a subpar choice when looking to combat Fighting-types. Firstly, Gligar will lose to the Fighting-types its supposed to beat when up against Swords Dance Heracross, which can easily set up to +6 on Gligar, and Mienshao, which destroys Gligar with Hidden Power Ice or take advantage of it. If you desperately need something to take physical hits while setting up Stealth Rock, Gligar can work in those situations, but keep in mind that it will often not be the best Pokemon to use as your physical wall because its numerous flaws make it a mediocre Pokemon.</p>

<p>Golurk benefited plenty from BW2, gaining Stealth Rock and the elemental punches, while also benefiting from the rise of Fighting-types. Golurk's unique Ground / Ghost typing and decent bulk allows it to handle Heracross and Mienshao as well as check Electric-types, while also putting offensive pressure on the opponent with its high 124 Attack. These positive traits allow Golurk to be a valuable team supporter.</p>

<p>Hitmontop has access to the vaunted Rapid Spin that gives it a decent niche in UU. Thanks to Intimidate and overall decent defenses, Hitmontop does have a good amount of switch in opportunities to spin away hazards. While Hitmontop struggles against the majority of Ghost-types in the tier, if it can catch them on the switch with Foresight, it can manage to get a spin off. Hitmontop is a viable choice if you desperately need a spinner and if Blastoise, the better spinner of the two, has conflicting type synergy with your other Pokemon.</p>

<p>With access to every TM and move tutor ever, Mew has an insanely large movepool that makes it among the most versatile Pokemon in the game, being able to assume any position. Mew's best set is a Nasty Plot sweeper that uses Mew's decent 100 Special Attack to be raised to destructive levels, while using its amazing coverage to wreck certain targets that could annoy its main Psychic attacks. Mew also performs the role of a Swords Dance sweeper very well, and while some may think it is outclassed by more powerful physical sweepers like Darmanitan, Mew's much better bulk compared to other physical attackers and excellent coverage makes it ridiculously good. Mew also performs the role of a defensive Pokemon as well, being a specially defensive stallbreaker that is capable of putting a damper on stall with access to Will-O-Wisp, Taunt, and Softboiled, as well as having nice utility against offensive and balanced teams, being able to beat a plethora of strong special attackers by tanking any hit and recovering lost damage. Another set that Mew uses well is a Baton Pass set that is capable of aiding many offensive Pokemon to become even more threatening. Overall, Mew's excellent versatility makes it a Pokemon that is a great pick for any team.</p>

<p>BW2 UU has been the toughest metagame for Milotic to succeed in, as other bulky Water-types fill the tier with their own unique niche that leaves Milotic outclassed in many aspects. Blastoise has access to Rapid Spin, Empoleon and Swampert have unique typings, Slowbro and Slowking have Regenerator and a Fighting resistance, and Suicune is in general just much bulkier than Milotic. Milotic still has a niche, though, and that is given through its fantastic Special Defense. Its typing has advantages over the other specially bulky Water-type Slowking, granting it a neutrality to Heracross's Megahorn and Yanmega's Bug Buzz. If someone needs a decent answer to some of the tier's biggest threats, Milotic can perform that role, but if someone desires a hard counter, Milotic will not be able to perform that role as well as something else.</p>

<p>Thanks to Eviolite, Porygon2 is among the bulkiest of UU Pokemon. While it may initially seem that Porygon2 needs to be a wall, Porygon2 performs best as a bulky attacker that is capable of dealing out good damage with its base 105 Special Attack. A Download or Analytic boost further makes Porygon2 threatening towards opponents, as it will hit relatively hard with a boost in hand. But if you want Porygon2 to be a more dedicated wall, it can perform that role excellently with its fantastic 85 / 90 / 95 bulk that is made immense with Eviolite while being able to recover any damage with Recover. Trace is particularly useful when using defensive Porygon2, as it can copy abilities that can benefit it like Natural Cure from Roserade, making it a fantastic utility counter.</p>

<p>Qwilfish's Dream World ability, Intimidate, has made Qwilfish a nuisance to take down on the physical side thanks to its increased defenses. Thanks to its unique typing, Qwilfish is capable of walling Fighting-, Bug-, and physical Fire-types that commonly roam the tier. Qwilfish was blessed with a great support movepool which includes the valuable Spikes, Thunder Wave, Toxic Spikes, Haze, and Taunt. Spikes support is especially useful, considering that the only other defensive Spiker of the tier is Roserade, which can't take on the same threats Qwilfish does. Qwilfish can also perform as a decent suicide lead, as it is decently fast and has access to Explosion and Destiny Bond, moves other suicide leads lack.</p>

<p>Registeel's fantastic 11 resistances thanks to its pure Steel typing makes it a solid defensive Pokemon capable of countering Raikou, Roserade, and Yanmega. Registeel also has great support options, such as Stealth Rock and Thunder Wave, which can aid a team immensely. It suffers in this metagame, though, due to its common weaknesses to Ground, Fighting, and Fire, all of which are very prevalent. Registeel also lacks reliable recovery, which attributes to its often being taken down quickly. It also has low offensive prowess, making it rely on Seismic Toss to do any significant damage, which can actually compound to it being set-up fodder for something like Calm Mind Suicune or offensive Trick Room Cofagrigus if it lacks Toxic. To top it off, Registeel also faces competition with other common Steel-types which have their own niches, such as Bronzong and Empoleon.</p>

<p>Thanks to Prankster, Sableye is a very capable Pokemon in UU, with priority Will-O-Wisp, Taunt, and Recover. Combine that with its no weaknesses, and Sableye becomes an annoying Pokemon for physical attackers, set-up sweepers, and hazard setters to face when in the right hands. Sableye only got better as the metagame transitioned to BW2, being able to easily deal with common Fighting-types such as Mienshao and Scrafty, as well as not be as threatened by Heracross, which often has Moxie over Guts on its popular Choice Scarf set, allowing Sableye to easily burn it and cripple instead of benefiting it with a Guts boost. Sableye can even use Foul Play to annoy physical Fire-types that can switch into Will-O-Wisp, such as Darmanitan and Victini, and easily KO them.</p>

<p>Slowbro's high physical defense and ability to wall the majority of Fighting-types, physical Fire-types, and other physical attackers make it an excellent bulky Water-type. Slowbro has access to Slack Off and Regenerator, two great ways to regain health that makes it one tough Pokemon to wither down. Thanks to all of these positive traits, Slowbro performs the role of a bulky Calm Mind attacker that can patch up its weaker Special Defense and make it a substantial threat after a few boosts. Slowbro also performs being a pure defensive Water-type very well, capable of paralyzing the opposing Pokemon with Thunder Wave. Another way Slowbro can function is through the use of Choice Specs, which increases Slowbro's offensive prowess significantly and allows it to dent something relatively hard, while still retaining much of the excellent physical bulk the defensive sets have.</p>

<p>While Slowking may lack the physical defense that its counterpart Slowbro has, it makes up in having great Special Defense which allows it to effectively take on one of the biggest threats in the metagame in Kingdra. With minimal Attack investment, Slowking is capable of breaking Kingdra's Substitutes with a Dragon Tail, while being able to tank a +1 Outrage and check Kingdra thanks to Regenerator. Kingdra's special attacking sets, which can easily plow through Slowbro, fare much worse against Slowking, who can easily stomach a Draco Meteor and Slack Off the damage. While Slowking may have significantly lower physical defense than Slowbro, the same typing still allows it to combat some highly relevant threats such as physical Fire- and Fighting-types. Slowking's fantastic niche as a Kingdra counter cannot be ignored, as it is a defining factor that makes Slowking a great choice for teams needing to patch up a Kingdra weakness.</p>

<p>Suicune's high overall bulk, pure Water typing, and access to Calm Mind make it a great bulky sweeper. Thanks to that high bulk, Suicune can set up Calm Minds on many Pokemon, while it can Roar away opposing Pokemon that try to take advantage of Suicune's initial low offensive prowess. Suicune also can use its classic CroCune set, which forgoes Roar in favor of Sleep Talk so that Suicune is not deadweight when asleep, while still using that terrific bulk to its advantage. If you want a harder hitting Suicune, though, it can perform the role of an offensive Calm Mind set well, hitting relatively hard with Hydro Pumps while still having decent bulk to boot.</p>

<p>Swampert truly thrives in UU nowadays, thanks to its great Water / Ground typing that allows it to combat Raikou and Zapdos as well as physical Fire-types without too much trouble. Swampert's well rounded bulk, ability to handle extremely threatening Pokemon without much issue, and access to some great support moves such as Stealth Rock and Roar allows it to perform the role of a defensive tank very well. Swampert's often-overlooked base 110 Attack can shine in the correct times when utilizing Choice Band and offensive tank variants of Swampert. Swampert is definitely a top-tier defensive Pokemon that is capable of fitting on any team because of its unique traits.</p>

<p>While Tangrowth receives massive competition from Amoonguss as a bulky Grass-type, its fantastic physical bulk and good Special Attack allows it to perform as a strong Choice Specs attacker that can pivot into certain physical attackers and hit brutally hard with a Choice Specs-boosted Leaf Storm or incapacitate its counters with a Sleep Powder. With an amazing ability in Regenerator, Tangrowth also has great lasting power.</p>

<p>Umbreon is the best dedicated special wall in the tier, with its high special bulk and great support movepool that includes Wish and Heal Bell. Wish and cleric support are rare things to come by in the tier, and Umbreon is among the best to provide that support. What makes Umbreon really great, though, is its access to Foul Play, which makes up for Umbreon's lack of offensive prowess. Foul Play dents the majority of the tier a great deal, while able to do surprising damage to frailer Fighting-types like Mienshao. If you need cleric and Wish support, or just in general a great special wall, Umbreon is a fantastic option for your team.</p>

<p>Uxie is often shunned in favor of Mew and Cresselia when competing as a defensive Psychic-type. Uxie does have some tricks up its sleeves, though. With access to great support moves such as dual screens, Stealth Rock, Memento, Thunder Wave, Rain Dance, Sunny Day, and Trick Room, Uxie can effortlessly support your team well. Uxie's great 75 / 130 / 130 bulk along with a great Fighting resistance opens up plenty of opportunities to use one of its support move options.</p>

<p>Xatu's Dream World ability, Magic Bounce, allows it to bounce back any non-attacking move, but most importantly, entry hazards. Xatu can also keep momentum for any offensive team with access to U-turn, while supplying some utility with access to moves like Thunder Wave. If Xatu is on the wrong end of the battle against a Stealth Rock setter, it can Roost any lost damage if it's not KOed yet. Xatu will only truly shine if you don't want to run a Rapid Spin user while maintaining a good amount of momentum for offensive teams.</p>

is a motionless pedophile

I was just wondering, how viable would Soundproof Aboma be? I mean it obviously wouldn't be UU if we were still tiering stuff, but it could have a niche in checking Electrics and Water-types without being weak to Ice, while still being annoying with Leech Seed. I'm not asking you to add it or anything, just go ahead with what you have, but it's still an interesting mon imo.

oh my gosh you found me

[title]
BW UU Threat List
[head]
<meta name="description" content="A list of top threats in the BW UU metagame, courtesy of elDino and updated by SpareAacount." />
[page]
<div class="author">By <a href="/forums/member.php?u=43688">elDino</a> and various contributors. Updated by <a href="/forums/members/spareaacount.151611/">SpareAacount</a>. Art by <a href="/forums/member.php?u=3892">Yilx</a>.</div>
<h2>Offensive Threats</h2>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/accelgor.gif" alt="Accelgor" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/accelgor"><strong>Accelgor</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 80 HP / 70 Atk / 40 Def / 100 SpA / 60 SpD / 145 Spe<br />
Abilities: Hydration / Sticky Hold / Unburden</p>
<p>Accelgor is most notable for its unmatched base 145 Speed and access to Spikes, which allow it to become a very good suicide Spiker for offensive teams. Accelgor is no slouch offensively as well, with a decent 100 Special Attack that allows it to damage the opposition hard if needed. It also has some interesting movepool options, such as Final Gambit, which prevents the spinners from spinning away the Spikes temporarily, and Yawn, which can force switches and allow Accelgor to get more layers of Spikes up.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/ambipom.gif" alt="Ambipom" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/ambipom"><strong>Ambipom</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 75 HP / 100 Atk / 66 Def / 60 SpA / 66 SpD / 115 Spe<br />
Abilities: Pickup / Technician / Skill Link</p>
<p>Ambipom is not the biggest offensive powerhouse in the tier, yet it does have some saving graces over its main competition, Cinccino. Having access to a Technician-boosted Fake Out and some moves Cinccino would love, such as Low Kick and Beat Up, makes Ambipom not completely outclassed. Ambipom can still be a sufficient offensive threat against frailer offensive teams, which keeps it from becoming dead weight on a team. Use Ambipom to its advantages, or else it will play out as an inferior Cinccino.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/arcanine.gif" alt="Arcanine" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/arcanine"><strong>Arcanine</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 90 HP / 110 Atk / 80 Def / 100 SpA / 90 SpD / 95 Spe<br />
Abilities: Intimidate / Flash Fire / Justified</p>
<p>Arcanine's decent base 110 Attack and excellent abilities in Intimidate and Flash Fire allow it to distinguish itself from the multitude of other Fire-types in the tier. Access to the vaunted ExtremeSpeed, along with other goodies such as Flare Blitz and Close Combat, makes Arcanine capable of separating it from Darmanitan and Victini, who would outclass Arcanine otherwise. Intimidate gives Arcanine a buffer in defensive capabilities, making it surprisingly sturdy on the physical side when fully invested.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/azelf.gif" alt="Azelf" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/azelf"><strong>Azelf</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 75 HP / 125 Atk / 70 Def / 125 SpA / 70 SpD / 115 Spe<br />
Ability: Levitate</p>
<p>Azelf's terrific offensive stats and great movepool options make it a powerful threat in UU. Azelf is best known for being a lead that can set up Stealth Rock or dual screens early in the game, which can be extremely beneficial for more offensive teams. Azelf also has access to Nasty Plot, which makes it an insanely threatening sweeper if it gains the opportunity to set up.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/azumarill.gif" alt="Azumarill" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/azumarill"><strong>Azumarill</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 100 HP / 50 Atk / 80 Def / 50 SpA / 80 SpD / 50 Spe<br />
Abilities: Thick Fat / Huge Power / Sap Sipper</p>
<p>Thanks to Huge Power doubling its Attack stat to be on the level of powerhouses like Rayquaza, Azumarill is among the most powerful physical attackers in the tier, along with being the best physical Water-type in the tier. Azumarill makes a great Choice Band user, which truly showcases Azumarill's absolutely destructive potential. Priority Aqua Jet is another positive trait for Azumarill, because while relatively weak, it can pick off frailer or weakened Pokemon.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/bisharp.gif" alt="Bisharp" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Bisharp"><strong>Bisharp</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 65 HP / 125 Atk / 100 Def / 60 SpA / 70 SpD / 70 Spe<br />
Abilities: Inner Focus / Defiant / Pressure</p>
<p>Although UU is full of Fighting- and Fire-types, Bisharp manages to sustain a decent niche as one of the few offensive Dark-types in the tier. This is all in part due to a coveted Steel typing that grants multiple set-up opportunities with Swords Dance and STAB Sucker Punch. Thanks to its high base 125 Attack, Bisharp becomes lethal when set-up, and it can destroy much of the tier with its boosted attacks. Defiant is a good ability as well, making Intimidate users such as Qwilfish rendered as set-up fodder.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/cinccino.gif" alt="Cinccino" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Cinccino"><strong>Cinccino</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 75 HP / 95 Atk / 60 Def / 65 SpA / 60 SpD / 115 Spe<br />
Abilities: Cute Charm / Technician / Skill Link</p>
<p>Thanks to Skill Link, Cinccino has the potential to be a major threat to any team with its multiple-hitting moves that can break through Focus Sash and Substitutes. Cinccino's excellent 115 Speed, along with a decent 95 Attack, allow Cinccino to smash offensive teams with its good coverage and strong attacks. It can also gain momentum for teams with U-turn, which allows Cinccino to pivot out of a bad situation.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/cobalion.gif" alt="Cobalion" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Cobalion"><strong>Cobalion</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 91 HP / 90 Atk / 129 Def / 90 SpA / 72 SpD / 108 Spe<br />
Ability: Justified</p>
<p>Cobalion can stand out from other Fighting-types with its great 108 base Speed and unique typing that grants it a 4x resistance to Stealth Rock as well as a good slew of resistances. This makes Cobalion a very usable Swords Dance sweeper, which can mitigate its somewhat lackluster Attack to very sweepable levels. Thanks to a usable 90 base Special Attack, Cobalion can run Hidden Power Ice for Gligar on the Swords Dance set, as well as becoming a viable Calm Mind attacker. Cobalion also has access to some interesting supportive moves, such as Stealth Rock and Volt Switch. Combine that with a high 129 base Defense, and Cobalion can perform a defensive role very well.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/cofagrigus.gif" alt="Cofagrigus" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Cofagrigus"><strong>Cofagrigus</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 58 HP / 50 Atk / 145 Def / 95 SpA / 105 SpD / 30 Spe<br />
Ability: Mummy</p>
<p>Cofagrigus has become a common sight in UU thanks to the influx of Fighting-types in the tier, which makes it a popular choice for teams. Thanks to a high base 145 Defense and good base 95 Special Attack, Cofagrigus can switch into all Fighting-types with the exception being Scrafty and become threatening by using an offensive Trick Room set. Offensive Trick Room Cofagrigus can turn the tides of a battle by setting up Trick Room and a Nasty Plot, creating a potential threat that can do major damage. It gets perfect coverage with Shadow Ball and Hidden Power Fighting, making it tough to wall as well.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/crobat.gif" alt="Crobat" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/crobat"><strong>Crobat</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 85 HP / 90 Atk / 80 Def / 70 SpA / 80 SpD / 130 Spe<br />
Abilities: Inner Focus / Infiltrator</p>
<p>Crobat's unique typing gives it great resistances to Fighting, Grass, and Bug, making it a very good switch-in to the main attacks of Scrafty, Shaymin, Heracross, and Yanmega. Thanks to its base 130 Speed and access to moves such as Roost and Taunt, Crobat can perform the role of a stallbreaker very well. Crobat is no slouch offensively, as access to Brave Bird and a decent base 90 Attack that makes it a good candidate for a Choice Band set. Crobat can also get out of an unfavorable situation via U-turn, which can help gain momentum for your team.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/crustle.gif" alt="Crustle" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/crustle"><strong>Crustle</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 70 HP / 95 Atk / 125 Def / 65 SpA / 75 SpD / 45 Spe<br />
Abilities: Sturdy / Shell Armor / Weak Armor</p>
<p>Crustle's niche lies in that is one of the better suicide lead entry hazard setters in UU. Thanks to Sturdy acting like a pseudo-Focus Sash, Crustle can activate a Custap Berry and easily get up at least Stealth Rock and one layer of Spikes. Crustle is no slouch offensively, as it is capable of threatening some annoying Pokemon such as Crobat and Xatu, which can both be a hindrance towards hazard stacking. Crustle can pull its weight on offensive teams needing a good hazard setter, and it makes a decent choice for any team wanting its valuable support.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/darmanitan.gif" alt="Darmanitan" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Darmanitan/ou"><strong>Darmanitan</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 105 HP / 140 Atk / 55 Def / 30 SpA / 55 SpD / 95 Spe<br />
Abilities: Sheer Force / Zen Mode</p>
<p>Darmanitan is simply a nuke that can easily wreck the majority of the tier. Thanks to Sheer Force and a gigantic base 140 Attack, Darmanitan's Life Orb Flare Blitz is among the strongest attacks in UU, which allows it to break through anything that doesn't resist it and have good physical defense. Choice Scarf Darmanitan also performs relatively well, being able to clean up weakened teams with Flare Blitz, while sitting comfortably ahead of Choice Scarf Heracross and Krookodile. Darmanitan's access to U-turn allows to escape out of an incredibly unfavorable situation, which can be useful for gaining momentum.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/druddigon.gif" alt="Druddigon" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Druddigon"><strong>Druddigon</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 77 HP / 120 Atk / 90 Def / 60 SpA / 90 SpD / 48 Spe<br />
Abilities: Rough Skin / Sheer Force / Mold Breaker</p>
<p>Druddigon is one of the few viable Dragon types in UU, and it can perform excellently in the tier. Thanks to a monster base 120 Attack, Druddigon is the strongest Dragon in the tier, making it a beastly Choice Band user. No Pokemon in the UU tier can safely switch into Druddigon without taking major damage because of its absolutely destructive nature; even Bronzong, the nemesis for Flygon, which is Druddigon's major competition, cannot handle Druddigon because of Mold Breaker Earthquake. Druddigon can even go a more defensive route and become a reliable Stealth Rock setter that is able to spread paralysis with Glare, while effectively combating the physical Fire-types of the tier courtesy of its typing.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/durant.gif" alt="Durant" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/durant"><strong>Durant</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 58 HP / 109 Atk / 112 Def / 48 SpA / 48 SpD / 109 Spe<br />
Abilities: Swarm / Hustle / Truant</p>
<p>Durant's numerous positive traits, such as its Hustle-boosted base 109 Attack and excellent 109 Speed, make it a Pokemon to watch out for. Thanks to Hone Claws, Durant can negate the drop in accuracy that Hustle brings along, while instantaneously becoming a substantial threat when set up. Choice Band Durant is another very viable set, allowing Durant to not feel forced to set up and wreck a good portion of the tier with its Hustle-boosted attacks. Durant, when used correctly, can definitely sweep when the right Pokemon are out of the way.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/escavalier.gif" alt="Escavalier" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/escavalier"><strong>Escavalier</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 70 HP / 135 Atk / 105 Def / 60 SpA / 105 SpD / 20 Spe<br />
Abilities: Swarm / Shell Armor / Overcoat</p>
<p>Escavalier's titanic base 135 Attack, along with good 70 / 105 / 105 defenses and a great Steel / Bug typing make it a threat to watch out for in any UU match. These numerous positive traits make Escavalier a brilliant nuke with a Choice Band STAB Megahorn and Iron Head, while being able to combat some extremely relevant threats, such as Weavile and Shaymin. Escavalier can perform a defensive role as well, courtesy of its numerous resistances and great bulk that makes it shine when combating numerous amounts of Pokemon relevant in UU.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/flygon.gif" alt="Flygon" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/flygon"><strong>Flygon</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 80 HP / 100 Atk / 80 Def / 80 SpA / 80 SpD / 100 Spe<br />
Ability: Levitate</p>
<p>Flygon is one of the few viable Dragons in UU, and it makes its mark as one of the best offensive threats. Thanks to a great STAB combination being resisted by only Bronzong in UU, Flygon can threaten a wide variety of Pokemon in UU with its Choice Band-boosted attacks. Resistance to all entry hazards due to Levitate and a Ground typing makes Flygon one of the few Pokemon that is not worn down easily by hazards. Flygon is also a cut above a whole slew of Pokemon with a base 100 Speed that allows it to outspeed Darmanitan, Roserade, and neutral Kingdra. This can also make Flygon a decent candidate for a classic Choice Scarf set. While it may not be an best option for a Choice Scarf user, it has its advantages over Mienshao because of its overall better bulk and unique resistances and immunities.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/gallade.gif" alt="Gallade" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/gallade"><strong>Gallade</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 68 HP / 125 Atk / 65 Def / 65 SpA / 115 SpD / 80 Spe<br />
Abilities: Steadfast / Justified</p>
<p>Gallade may look helplessly outclassed by the other common Fighting-types of the tier, but it does have a few tricks up its sleeves that can help distinguish it from its competition. Firstly, Gallade has access to a secondary Psychic STAB, which is useful considering the rise in popularity of Poison-types in UU that will get destroyed by Gallade's Psycho Cut. This makes Gallade a fearsome Swords Dance attacker capable of destroying many things that other Fighting-types struggle against with the appropriate move. For example, Gligar is OHKOed by a +2 Ice Punch, while Cofagrigus is 2HKOed by +2 Psycho Cut, and thanks to Gallade's good Special Defense, it can take a Shadow Ball and retaliate with another Psycho Cut.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/galvantula.gif" alt="Galvantula" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/galvantula"><strong>Galvantula</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 70 HP / 77 Atk / 60 Def / 97 SpA / 60 SpD / 108 Spe<br />
Abilities: Compoundeyes / Unnerve / Swarm</p>
<p>Galvantula seems purely outclassed at first glance, considering Raikou and Zapdos have higher Special Attack and much better bulk. However, Galvantula has overall better coverage than both with STAB Bug Buzz to hit Shaymin and Psychic-types, Giga Drain to hit Rhyperior and Swampert for massive damage, the two biggest pains to Raikou and Zapdos, and Hidden Power Ice to smack Gligar and Flygon. Galvantula also has access to Compoundeyes Thunder, which hits harder than a Life Orb Zapdos Thunderbolt given the higher Base Power. Its high base Speed also puts it above many metagame relevant threats, such as Mienshao and Zapdos itself.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/368.gif" alt="Gorebyss" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Gorebyss/ou"><strong>Gorebyss</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 55 HP / 84 Atk / 105 Def / 114 SpA / 75 SpD / 52 Spe<br />
Abilities: Swift Swim / Hydration</p>
<p>Gorebyss is one of only three Pokemon that has the combination of Shell Smash, the best boosting move in the game, and Baton Pass, which can give a powerhouse of the tier to shine because of its increased offensive stats. Gorebyss's main draw over Smeargle, its main SmashPass competitor, is more offensive prowess, which allows Gorebyss to threaten anything that may switch in if needed thanks to its high 114 Special Attack. SmashPass may not be as popular or threatening as it once was in early BW, but Gorebyss still makes a very viable user of the deadly combination and is definitely something to watch out for.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/heracross.gif" alt="Heracross" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Heracross"><strong>Heracross</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 80 HP / 125 Atk / 75 Def / 40 SpA / 95 SpD / 85 Spe<br />
Abilities: Guts / Swarm / Moxie</p>
<p>Heracross is one of the defining, if not the defining, Pokemon in UU. With a toy gained from BW2 in Moxie along with a high base 125 Attack, Choice Scarf Heracross is among the best late-game cleaners of the tier. With access to a Bug STAB in Megahorn, Heracross can heavily damage Slowbro, which is a thorn in the side to the majority of other common Fighting-types. It isn't exactly one dimensional either; a Swords Dance set can easily set up on common Choice Scarf Heracross counters, such as Gligar, while a Choice Band set can do massive damage to the majority of the tier.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/hitmonlee.gif" alt="Hitmonlee" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Hitmonlee"><strong>Hitmonlee</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 50 HP / 120 Atk / 53 Def / 35 SpA / 110 SpD / 87 Spe<br />
Abilities: Limber / Reckless / Unburden</p>
<p>Hitmonlee seems outclassed at first glance, due to the other Fighting-types having more defined niches compared to it. Hitmonlee does have a unique niche though, as it can become a Reversal sweeper thanks to Endure and an excellent ability in Unburden, which will activate after a Liechi Berry boost, making Hitmonlee a fearsome sweeper capable of wiping the floor with opposing teams. Unfortunately for Hitmonlee, the metagame is somewhat hostile with many common answers to Fighting-types in Cofagrigus and Slowbro, which gives Hitmonlee headaches.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/honchkrow.gif" alt="Honchkrow" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Honchkrow"><strong>Honchkrow</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 100 HP / 125 Atk / 52 Def / 105 SpA / 52 SpD / 71 Spe<br />
Abilities: Insomnia / Super Luck / Moxie</p>
<p>Honchkrow is a terrific offensive Pokemon, thanks to its high offensive stats along with an excellent ability in Moxie. With access to STAB Sucker Punch as well as a powerful Brave Bird, Honchkrow can hit like a truck as well as sweep offensive teams when obtaining Moxie boosts. Honchkrow's movepool options have widened since BW2, giving it Superpower and Heat Wave along with Moxie, making it even harder to wall. The key for Honchkrow is to get that first Moxie boost, which can lead to a snowball effect that can ultimately sweep weakened teams.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/houndoom.gif" alt="Houndoom" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Houndoom"><strong>Houndoom</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 75 HP / 90 Atk / 50 Def / 110 SpA / 80 SpD / 95 Spe<br />
Abilities: Early Bird / Flash Fire / Unnerve</p>
<p>Houndoom has good offensive stats, with 90 / 110 / 95 offenses being above average in the tier. This makes Houndoom a good candidate for a mixed set, in which it can play mind games with its opponents with Sucker Punch and Pursuit. Houndoom is also a viable Nasty Plot sweeper, which bolsters its Special Attack to relatively high levels. Houndoom may not be very good in this current metagame because of numerous flaws, but its unique niches are something that players may desire when building a team.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/kingdra.gif" alt="Kingdra" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Kingdra"><strong>Kingdra</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 75 HP / 95 Atk / 95 Def / 95 SpA / 95 SpD / 85 Spe<br />
Abilities: Swift Swim / Sniper / Damp</p>
<p>Kingdra is among the best Pokemon in UU, thanks to its unique Water / Dragon typing that gives it only one weakness and a destructive STAB combination. Kingdra's well balanced offensive stats allow it to perform well both physically and specially. This makes Empoleon and Slowking the only fail-safe counters to Kingdra in the tier due its incredible versatility. Kingdra's Substitute + Dragon Dance set can set up on many Pokemon due to its great resistances while avoiding status that Kingdra despises. Thanks to Dragon Dance and a good STAB combination, Kingdra is able to dent Pokemon heavily with its STAB Outrage and Waterfall. Kingdra can also perform well as a deadly Rain Dance sweeper, which destroys the majority of the tier with its rain-boosted Hydro Pumps while easily outspeeding everything in the tier, including Choice Scarf Mienshao. Kingdra's other options include an offensive Dragon Dance set that can reach even higher potential than the Substitute + Dragon Dance set with a potential double boost from Rain Dance or the ability to hit Slowbro hard with a Draco Meteor. A Choice Specs set is also viable even without rain support, and a ChestoRest set that can Rest off annoying status increases Kingdra's longevity. Kingdra's phenomenal traits make it a Pokemon that is well deserving of being among the best Pokemon in the tier that is key to watch out for.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/krookodile.gif" alt="Krookodile" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Krookodile"><strong>Krookodile</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 95 HP / 117 Atk / 70 Def / 65 SpA / 75 SpD / 92 Spe<br />
Abilities: Intimidate / Moxie / Anger Point</p>
<p>Thanks to Moxie and relatively good attacking stats, Krookodile can perform very well as a revenge killer and a possible cleaner. Krookodile has access to Pursuit as well, which helps put Pokemon such as Azelf and Mew in a checkmate situation. However, Krookodile has its flaws. The metagame is very hostile towards it, with the ridiculous popularity of Choice Scarf Mienshao and Heracross, both of which can destroy Krookodile with their STAB moves, and in Heracross's case, resist both STABs and give Krookodile competition as a Moxie cleaner. Krookodile also lacks good bulk and typing, with plenty of common weaknesses as well as having a tough time switching into any remotely strong hit.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/lilligant.gif" alt="Lilligant" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/lilligant"><strong>Lilligant</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 70 HP / 60 Atk / 75 Def / 110 SpA / 75 SpD / 90 Spe<br />
Abilities: Chlorophyll / Own Tempo / Leaf Guard</p>
<p>Lilligant's main draw over other Grass-types is its access to the rare Quiver Dance, an excellent boosting move that makes Lilligant an incredible threat after a boost or two. Lilligant also has Sleep Powder to put something to sleep to increase the ease of setting up several Quiver Dances. Lilligant can even opt for the raw power that Petal Dance offers over a reliable STAB in Giga Drain, and because of Own Tempo, Lilligant will not get confused after the sequence ends.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/machamp.gif" alt="Machamp" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/machamp"><strong>Machamp</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 90 HP / 130 Atk / 80 Def / 65 SpA / 85 SpD / 55 Spe<br />
Abilities: Guts / No Guard / Steadfast</p>
<p>Other Fighting-types have several advantages that make them better choices for their offensive teams over Machamp; Heracross has Moxie and the ability to set up on so-called counters, Mienshao hits brutally hard with Hi Jump Kick and creates the benchmark for Choice Scarf users, Scrafty has an excellent STAB combination, while Cobalion and Virizion have much higher Speed that makes them both capable of being Swords Dance sweepers. Machamp's niche is getting harder to see, but its access to a perfectly accurate No Guard DynamicPunch that always confuses, along with its excellent base 130 Attack and better bulk than a majority of Fighting-types, keep it somewhat relevant in UU. Machamp can use Substitute and Bulk Up sets to a very capable degree, as both can immensely threaten a good amount of Pokemon in UU.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/magneton.gif" alt="Magneton" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/magneton"><strong>Magneton</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 50 HP / 65 Atk / 95 Def / 120 SpA / 70 SpD / 70 Spe<br />
Abilities: Magnet Pull / Sturdy / Analytic</p>
<p>Steel-types are a lot less common down in UU than they are in OU, and this dampers Magneton's Steel trapping capabilities somewhat. Due to the lack of viable Steel-types, Magneton may not be the premier choice for your team, considering the better offensive Electric-types of the tier. However, Magneton can easily trap the most common Steel-type, Bronzong, with the combination of Magnet Rise and Substitute that makes Bronzong incapable of breaking Magneton's Substitutes without multiple Gyro Balls, while getting withered down with repeated Thunderbolts. Magneton can also make quick work of the faster Steel-types that roam the tier with a Choice Scarf set; while this set lacks the ability to destroy Bronzong, it can revenge kill Cobalion and Durant easily with a Hidden Power Fire. Magneton isn't limited to trapping, as a Choice Specs set with Analytic can destroy even the bulkiest of walls, which makes Magneton a very capable wallbreaker. Although Magneton's niche as a Steel killer is somewhat small, it is the only Pokemon capable of performing that niche and doing it well.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/medicham.gif" alt="Medicham" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/medicham"><strong>Medicham</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 60 HP / 60 Atk / 75 Def / 60 SpA / 75 SpD / 80 Spe<br />
Abilities: Pure Power / Telepathy</p>
<p>Medicham's access to Pure Power keeps it from hitting absolute obscurity, as it is a really poor Pokemon otherwise. With its Attack stat doubled, Medicham is a true powerhouse, for lack of a better term. Medicham performs well as a Choice Band user in conjunction with Choice Scarf Heracross, as Medicham is capable of eliminating all common answers to Heracross with the appropriate move. This gives Medicham a great niche in helping out one of the biggest threats in UU reach its full potential.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/meloetta.gif" alt="Meloetta" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/meloetta"><strong>Meloetta</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 100 HP / 77 Atk / 77 Def / 128 SpA / 128 SpD / 90 Spe<br />
Ability: Serene Grace</p>
<p>Meloetta's terrific base 128 Special Attack and Special Defense stats, along with its unique typing that grants it a Ghost immunity, give it an advantage over its fellow special attacking Psychic-types Azelf and Mew. This makes Meloetta a great offensive Calm Mind user that hits brutally hard after one or two boosts. Meloetta also performs a Choice Specs set exceptionally well, being able to destroy many Pokemon with its boosted attacks. A Substitute + Calm Mind set is also viable, using Meloetta's great special stats to great potential, while its typing is something that gives Meloetta an advantage over Raikou, its main competitor for the role.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/mienshao.gif" alt="Mienshao" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/mienshao"><strong>Mienshao</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 65 HP / 125 Atk / 60 Def / 95 SpA / 60 SpD / 105 Spe<br />
Abilities: Inner Focus / Regenerator / Reckless</p>
<p>Mienshao is one of the premier Fighting-types in the UU tier. With an excellent 105 base Speed and high 125 base Attack, Mienshao is by far the best user of Choice Scarf in the tier. Mienshao is also capable of using a Life Orb set to a very capable degree, and as an extra bonus, it can get rid of Gligar with a swift Hidden Power Ice thanks to its decent 95 Special Attack. It also has two excellent abilities in Regenerator and Reckless; the former helps regain lost health, which is especially helpful when using the Life Orb set, while the latter boosts Hi Jump Kick's power to unimaginable heights. Mienshao also has access to U-turn and Baton Pass, which helps it get out of an unfavorable situation and maneuver around its common answers.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/mismagius.gif" alt="Mismagius" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/mismagius"><strong>Mismagius</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 60 HP / 60 Atk / 60 Def / 105 SpA / 105 SpD / 105 Spe<br />
Ability: Levitate</p>
<p>Mismagius is often shafted in favor of the bulkier Cofagrigus, which can combat the Fighting-types that Mismagius could even lose to because of its somewhat poor physical bulk. Despite new competition, Mismagius still has a niche of being a fast set-up sweeper, which can be advantageous considering that Cofagrigus is forced to use Trick Room if it so desires to sweep. Mismagius also has access to Levitate, which makes it the most entry hazard resistant Ghost, as well as some useful support moves in Thunder Wave and Heal Bell, meaning it isn't completely outclassed by Cofagrigus and Sableye as a defensive Ghost.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/nidoking.gif" alt="Nidoking" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Nidoking"><strong>Nidoking</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 81 HP / 92 Atk / 77 Def / 85 SpA / 75 SpD / 85 Spe<br />
Abilities: Poison Point / Rivalry / Sheer Force</p>
<p>Nidoking is a very powerful offensive threat, as its fantastic movepool and good attacking stats are augmented by Sheer Force. This makes Nidoking a brilliant offensive threat that can thrive once given a switch in. If you desire a fully offensive Pokemon that can nuke even the best special walls with its brutal attacks, look no further than Nidoking.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/nidoqueen.gif" alt="Nidoqueen" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Nidoqueen"><strong>Nidoqueen</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 90 HP / 82 Atk / 87 Def / 75 SpA / 85 SpD / 76 Spe<br />
Abilities: Poison Point / Rivalry / Sheer Force</p>
<p>Nidoqueen's unique resistances, including valuable resistances to Fighting, Bug, and an immunity to Electric, and access to Stealth Rock in conjunction with Sheer Force, has made Nidoqueen very popular. Nidoqueen performs the role of a bulky offensive Stealth Rock setter very well, as it is capable of threatening the metagame with its excellent movepool while discouraging the spinners and Xatu from coming in because they fail to take multiple hits from the appropriate move. The resistances that Nidoqueen has are even more important considering the popularity of Heracross and Mienshao, which are both handled by Nidoqueen. If you need a more defensive route to Nidoqueen, though, a defensive set is still viable and becomes an even better answer to the omnipresent Fighting-types.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/omastar.gif" alt="Omastar" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/omastar"><strong>Omastar</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 70 HP / 60 Atk / 125 Def / 115 SpA / 70 SpD / 55 Spe<br />
Abilities: Swift Swim / Shell Armor / Weak Armor</p>
<p>Omastar's access to Shell Smash, one of the best boosting moves, makes it a formidable sweeper that can destroy teams after the right Pokemon are out of the way. Omastar's high base 115 Special Attack is nothing to scoff at, as with a Shell Smash boost, Omastar's Hydro Pumps destroy everything in the tier that doesn't resist it. Omastar can also use its Dream World ability, Weak Armor, to great potential, since if it switches into a Choice-locked Flare Blitz or a weak physical attack, and boosts with Shell Smash, it will be able to outspeed Choice Scarf Mienshao, the troubling Pokemon for most set up sweepers. Omastar can also run a support set, putting its high base 125 Defense and access to Stealth Rock and Spikes to good use.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/porygon-z.gif" alt="Porygon-Z" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Porygon-Z"><strong>Porygon-Z</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 85 HP / 80 Atk / 70 Def / 135 SpA / 75 SpD / 90 Spe<br />
Abilities: Download / Adaptability / Analytic</p>
<p>Porygon-Z, unlike its pre-evolution Porygon2, was made for sweeping with its super high base 135 Special Attack along with terrific abilities in Adaptability and Download. Agility Porygon-Z is a substantial threat in UU, as its ability to clean weakened teams is remarkable when backed by a Download boost. Another way to patch up Porygon-Z's meager Speed is a Choice Scarf set that can be a capable revenge killer. If you want Porygon-Z to wallbreak, though, Choice Specs and Nasty Plot sets with Adaptability are particularly destructive to even the bulkiest of special walls.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/raikou.gif" alt="Raikou" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/raikou"><strong>Raikou</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 90 HP / 85 Atk / 75 Def / 115 SpA / 100 SpD / 115 Spe<br />
Ability: Pressure</p>
<p>Raikou is among the most threatening offensive Pokemon in the tier, and that is due to its high base 115 Special Attack and Speed stats. Raikou makes the best candidate for a Substitute + Calm Mind set that is capable of setting up and threatening a great majority of Pokemon in the tier. Raikou is also capable of using Choice Specs to a great degree as well, as it can forgo the need to set-up and just hit hard right off the bat. Life Orb and Choice Scarf sets are also somewhat decent, as they both have their uses that can thrive when used correctly.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/rhyperior.gif" alt="Rhyperior" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/rhyperior"><strong>Rhyperior</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 115 HP / 140 Atk / 130 Def / 55 SpA / 55 SpD / 40 Spe<br />
Abilities: Solid Rock / Lightningrod / Reckless</p>
<p>Rhyperior thrives as a solid counter to Raikou and Zapdos, two major threats in the tier, and this is all due in part to Solid Rock, which patches up Rhyperior's weak Special Defense. Thanks to Solid Rock, standard tank Rhyperior can even stomach a Life Orb Hidden Power Grass from offensive Zapdos, and it can KO both Raikou and Zapdos with Earthquake and Rock Blast, respectively. Rhyperior can also answer the physical Fire-types of the tier thanks to its overall high Defense, while being able to set up Stealth Rock on the opposing side. Rhyperior is definitely no slouch on the offensive side, as a base 140 Attack is among the highest in UU, which allows Rhyperior to run solid Choice Band and Rock Polish sets along with a STAB EdgeQuake combination.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/roserade.gif" alt="Roserade" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/roserade"><strong>Roserade</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 60 HP / 70 Atk / 65 Def / 125 SpA / 105 SpD / 90 Spe<br />
Abilities: Natural Cure / Poison Point / Technician</p>
<p>Roserade may have fallen out of the top spot in UU, but it is foolish to think of it as a non-threat these days. Roserade's high base 125 Special Attack and relatively decent base 90 Speed allows it to hit like a truck with its brutal STAB Leaf Storms and Sludge Bombs. Roserade is capable of putting a counter to sleep as well with its access to Sleep Powder. Roserade also has access to Spikes, which are invaluable to the UU metagame. Due to its good Special Defense and Natural Cure, Roserade can also choose to go a defensive route in order to handle bulky Water-types relatively well and lay layers of Spikes down.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/rotom-c.gif" alt="Rotom-C" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Rotom-C"><strong>Rotom-C</strong></a><br />
Base Stats:50 HP / 65 Atk / 107 Def / 105 SpA / 107 SpD / 86 Spe<br />
Ability: Levitate</p>
<p>Rotom-C's unique Grass / Electric typing and Levitate offers it great resistances to Water, Electric, and an immunity to Ground attacks. This allows it to combat several very relevant defensive Pokemon, such as Rhyperior, Swampert, and Slowbro. Rotom-C is best used as a Choice Scarf user that utilizes its nice base 86 Speed to barely outrun Heracross and Nidoking, which is always useful, while maintaining excellent momentum with Volt Switch and messing with its counters with Trick. Rotom-C can also perform a defensive role well too, considering its ability to combat bulky Water-types, access to Will-O-Wisp, and overall decent bulk. If you want absolute raw power, though, Choice Specs Rotom-C can destroy common Pokemon that don't resist its Grass STAB with Leaf Storm. Since Rotom-C is so commonly seen as a Choice Pokemon, it can even catch them off guard with an Expert Belt set, which can effectively eliminate annoying Pokemon such as Rhyperior and Swampert, which can then open up opportunities for other Pokemon to thrive.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/rotom-h.gif" alt="Rotom-H" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Rotom-H"><strong>Rotom-H</strong></a><br />
Base Stats:50 HP / 65 Atk / 107 Def / 105 SpA / 107 SpD / 86 Spe<br />
Ability: Levitate</p>
<p>Rotom-H has seven resistances and a decent Special Attack, allowing it to come in easily and deal out significant damage. Rotom-H performs best as a Choice Specs user that can nuke the tier with its powerful attacks, and thanks to its good STAB combination, Rotom-H is capable of denting everything in the tier with its STAB Overheat and can wither down bulky Water-types with Volt Switch. Rotom-H also sits at a good Speed tier for a Choice Scarf set, being able to outspeed key threats such as Heracross and Nidoking. Rotom-H can also cripple some of its common switch-ins with a Trick or burn them with a surprise Will-O-Wisp.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/sceptile.gif" alt="Sceptile" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Sceptile"><strong>Sceptile</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 70 HP / 85 Atk / 65 Def / 105 SpA / 85 SpD / 120 Spe<br />
Abilities: Overgrow / Unburden</p>
<p>Sceptile seems to be outclassed by other offensive Grass-types, such as Shaymin, Roserade, and Lilligant, all of which have their own unique perks over it. But Sceptile has a niche in that it is the only viable Grass-type Swords Dance sweeper in the tier. Sceptile is significantly faster than a wide majority of the tier, being outsped by only Weavile and Crobat, although standard Crobat only runs enough Speed to outspeed Azelf, which can allow Sceptile to outspeed and KO with a +2 Flying Gem-boosted Acrobatics. Speaking of Acrobatics, it allows Sceptile to get around opposing Grass-types and makes it nearly impossible to revenge kill without taking too much damage. Sceptile can even run a special attacking set because of its high Speed, which can put dents in some common Pokemon.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/scolipede.gif" alt="Scolipede" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Scolipede"><strong>Scolipede</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 60 HP / 90 Atk / 89 Def / 55 SpA / 69 SpD / 112 Spe<br />
Abilities: Poison Point / Swarm / Quick Feet</p>
<p>Scolipede has access to Spikes, which is always a good thing in UU considering how valuable Spikers are. Scolipede's main advantage over Accelgor is its powerful STAB Megahorn that can leave dents in many Pokemon. Scolipede is also relatively fast, being able to outspeed key threats such as Mienshao and Mew, allowing it to lay even more Spikes in front of them or heavily dent them.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/scrafty.gif" alt="Scrafty" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Scrafty"><strong>Scrafty</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 65 HP / 90 Atk / 115 Def / 45 SpA / 115 SpD / 58 Spe<br />
Abilities: Shed Skin / Moxie / Intimidate</p>
<p>Scrafty's brilliant STAB combination is only resisted by Heracross in UU and makes it a formidable offensive threat. Even though Scrafty has a middling Speed stat, it makes up for that with Dragon Dance, which can make it a very offensive threat with Moxie. Scrafty can also perform a more defensively inclined role with Bulk Up, being able to set up on a good amount of defensive Pokemon thanks to Shed Skin and allowing for Rest to be a good option for recovery because of the 30% chance to wake up early. If you want Scrafty to hit hard right off the bat, Choice Band Scrafty is able to do that, with its extra coverage helping it against certain threats that it can't cover with a Dragon Dance set as well as hitting immediately hard, being able to 2HKO even defensive Swampert.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/sharpedo.gif" alt="Sharpedo" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Sharpedo"><strong>Sharpedo</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 70 HP / 120 Atk / 40 Def / 95 SpA / 40 SpD / 95 Spe<br />
Abilities: Rough Skin / Speed Boost</p>
<p>Sharpedo was never really a great offensive threat in past generations, as its extreme frailty and poor defensive typing left it outclassed. However, with Speed Boost thanks to Dream World, Sharpedo is among UU's biggest offensive threats. Sharpedo's most common set is a physical sweeper that can hit the metagame hard with its Life Orb-boosted Waterfall and Crunch. Sharpedo also can do the surprising role of a special sweeper that is capable of beating a good number of Pokemon that can otherwise combat the physical set. As the Speed boosts stack up, Sharpedo suddenly becomes harder to revenge kill and can tear up weakened teams, making it one of the best cleaners in the tier.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/shaymin.gif" alt="Shaymin" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Shaymin"><strong>Shaymin</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 100 HP / 100 Atk / 100 Def / 100 SpA / 100 SpD / 100 Spe<br />
Ability: Natural Cure</p>
<p>Shaymin is the best answer to Water-types available in the tier, being able to handle Scald burns thanks to Natural Cure and its overall balanced stats. Shaymin makes an excellent offensive Pokemon as well, with access to STAB Seed Flare that has a 40% chance to drop a Pokemon's Special Defense by 2 stages, which can force the special walls of the tier to switch or take the fall. Shaymin also has access to some great coverage moves that can dent switch-ins hard, such as Earth Power to smack Fire-types and Psychic to heavily dent Heracross and Crobat switch-ins.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/smeargle.gif" alt="Smeargle" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Smeargle"><strong>Smeargle</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 55 HP / 20 Atk / 35 Def / 20 SpA / 45 SpD / 75 Spe<br />
Abilities: Own Tempo / Technician / Moody</p>
<p>Smeargle's atrocious stats may make it seem like it is completely out of place in UU, but its unique traits give it a niche that not many other Pokemon can perform as well. Thanks to Sketch, Smeargle can utilize every move at its disposal, which can make it a great Baton Passer or hazard setter. Smeargle is one of three Pokemon with the famed SmashPass combination, and its access to Spore to incapacitate a foe along with a good Speed stat give it an advantage over Gorebyss. When Baton Passed, the SmashPass recipient can reach immense offensive potential that allows it to possibly sweep teams. Smeargle also performs the role of setting hazards down very well. While other hazard setters may have better offensive prowess, Smeargle has access to Spore, which guarantees that a Pokemon is crippled along with getting hazards up. Unfortunately, Smeargle's stats don't allow for much else to use in its movepool, but its incredible support is something that is desired for any offensive UU team.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/snorlax.gif" alt="Snorlax" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Snorlax"><strong>Snorlax</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 160 HP / 110 Atk / 65 Def / 65 SpA / 110 SpD / 30 Spe<br />
Abilities: Thick Fat / Immunity / Gluttony</p>
<p>Snorlax is one of the best Pokemon in UU, and it's not hard to see why. Snorlax has a meaty base 160 HP, along with a good base 110 Attack and Special Defense. These attributes make Snorlax an excellent offensive check to the majority of threatening special attackers, such as Raikou and offensive Trick Room Cofagrigus. Snorlax can also perform well as both an offensive and defensive Curse sweeper. Even though Umbreon performs better at being a special wall thanks to Wish and Heal Bell, Snorlax can perform a RestTalk set, which has Whirlwind, a major advantage over Umbreon. Snorlax's phenomenal traits make it among the most valuable Pokemon in UU, and it can find a place on any team needing its excellent special bulk.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/togekiss.gif" alt="Togekiss" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Togekiss"><strong>Terrrakion</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 85 HP / 50 Atk / 95 Def / 120 SpA / 115 SpD / 80 Spe<br />
Abilities: Hustle / Serene Grace / Super Luck</p>
<p>Togekiss is among the most annoying Pokemon in the tier with its 60% chance to flinch the opponent with Air Slash thanks to Serene Grace. But an annoying Pokemon is also an excellent Pokemon in its own merits, as Togekiss's 85 / 95 / 115 bulk gives it impressive mixed bulk, along with reliable recovery in Roost and great supporting moves such as Heal Bell and Thunder Wave. With access to Nasty Plot and a relatively high Special Attack, Togekiss is no slouch offensively either, being able to hit the tier for decent damage with its Air Slashes. Togekiss's best set is a physically defensive set that can set up several Nasty Plots because of the extra bulk given, as well as wreck stall with Heal Bell to heal status or Thunder Wave to use the famous paraflinch combination to great success. Togekiss can also take on a specially defensive role with the same set, which takes advantage of Togekiss's higher Special Defense. Togekiss is a Pokemon that can leave its mark as a destructive Pokemon in right hands, and it has earned a spot as a top tier Pokemon.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/tornadus.gif" alt="Tornadus" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Tornadus"><strong>Tornadus</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 79 HP / 115 Atk / 70 Def / 125 SpA / 80 SpD / 111 Spe<br />
Abilities: Prankster / Defiant</p>
<p>Being shunned out of OU by its Therian form when it demolished OU, Tornadus dropped to the UU tier. While it misses its permanent rain, it is still a threatening Pokemon because of its terrific mixed attacking stats and high base 111 Speed. Tornadus can set up the rain manually, with access to Prankster Rain Dance, which allows it to spam its Hurricanes without having to dread the 70% accuracy. Tornadus has the right amount of coverage moves, being able to destroy Rhyperior with a Grass Knot and Snorlax and Umbreon with Superpower, which essentially equates to limited switch-ins. Tornadus can also perform outside of the rain well, with a Bulk Up set that can use its +1 Flying Gem-boosted Acrobatics to annihilate anything that doesn't have high enough physical defense or resists it.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/venomoth.gif" alt="Venomoth" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/venomoth"><strong>Venomoth</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 70 HP / 65 Atk / 60 Def / 90 SpA / 75 SpD / 90 Spe<br />
Abilities: Shield Dust / Tinted Lens / Wonder Skin</p>
<p>Venomoth is brilliant at what it does best, which is Baton Passing Quiver Dances to threatening Pokemon. Venomoth is often a very high-reward low-risk Pokemon with the number of great receivers of Quiver Dance boosts that exists such as Nidoqueen and Togekiss. It doesn't have a dreadful time setting up either, thanks to its access to Sleep Powder to cripple an opposing Pokemon along with its ability Wonder Skin that avoids Roar 50% of the time, which can allow Venomoth to set up multiple Quiver Dances and outright beat the Roar user. Venomoth is an extremely potent Pokemon and can be deadly when given a clean window of opportunity.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/victini.gif" alt="Victini" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Victini/ou"><strong>Victini</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 100 HP / 100 Atk / 100 Def / 100 SpA / 100 SpD / 100 Spe<br />
Ability: Victory Star</p>
<p>Victini's adorable looks are deceiving, as it is among the deadliest offensive threats in the tier. Victini's signature move, V-create, is ridiculously powerful, and when boosted with a Choice Band, it will often put big dents in anything that lacks good Defense and a resistance. Victini can also smack bulky Water-types exceedingly hard with its newly gained Bolt Strike, and it can also U-turn out if a counter is sent to handle it. Victini's best counters to its Choice Band set, such as Rhyperior and Swampert, all are destroyed by a more specially based set with Grass Knot to annihilate them all. Victini is extremely potent with its special set with a strong special STAB in Blue Flare, while luring in its typical counters and wrecking them with the appropriate coverage move. Victini can even run V-create on its special set to fool its slower counters into thinking its a physical set, then destroying them with a Grass Knot or even a Thunder, if you are willing to play risky, to have a chance to OHKO Slowbro as well as 2HKO Slowking. V-create also has the plus of 2HKOing Umbreon even without investment, an impressive feat that leaves Snorlax as the only secure counter to the special attacking Victini. Snorlax itself is destroyed by a Choice Band V-create, so Victini in that sense lacks solid counters. Victini can surprise you in many ways that could put a big hole in your defensive coverage.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/virizion.gif" alt="Virizion" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Virizion"><strong>Virizion</strong></a><br />
Base Stats:91 HP / 90 Atk / 72 Def / 90 SpA / 129 SpD / 108 Spe<br />
Ability: Justified</p>
<p>In a tier filled to the brim with Fighting-types, Virizion can distinguish itself from the pack with its access to Grass STAB to destroy Slowbro, a Pokemon that will often wall the majority of Fighting-types, along with other bulky Water-types. Virizion also has a great base 108 Speed and two excellent set up moves in Swords Dance and Calm Mind, both of which can make Virizion a truly threatening Pokemon.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/weavile.gif" alt="Weavile" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/weavile"><strong>Weavile</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 70 HP / 120 Atk / 65 Def / 45 SpA / 85 SpD / 125 Spe<br />
Abilities: Pressure / Pickpocket</p>
<p>Weavile is a terrific offensive threat that is capable of cleaning weakened teams late-game thanks to its ridiculously high base 125 Speed and good base 120 Attack. Weavile is best used as a Swords Dance sweeper, as it can pick off frailer Choice Scarf users like Mienshao easily with a +2 Ice Shard, while being capable of threatening the majority of the metagame with its boosted attacks. If you want Weavile to be a more dedicated revenge killer, it can perform that admirably with Pursuit to checkmate Ghost- and Psychic-types when using an all-out attacking set.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/yanmega.gif" alt="Yanmega" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/yanmega"><strong>Yanmega</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 86 HP / 76 Atk / 86 Def / 116 SpA / 56 SpD / 95 Spe<br />
Abilities: Speed Boost / Tinted Lens / Frisk</p>
<p>Yanmega's high base 116 Special Attack along with two excellent abilities in Tinted Lens and Speed Boost make it a capable wallbreaker or sweeper that can destroy opposing teams. Choice Specs Yanmega is a ridiculous powerhouse, as it blows through resists due to Tinted Lens and destroys the majority of the tier bar a few Pokemon. If you want Yanmega to sweep, though, it can perform that role with a simple Life Orb set with Speed Boost to make it so Yanmega becomes harder to revenge kill with every accumulated boost.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/zapdos.gif" alt="Zapdos" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/zapdos"><strong>Zapdos</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 90 HP / 90 Atk / 85 Def / 125 SpA / 90 SpD / 100 Spe<br />
Ability: Pressure</p>
<p>Zapdos is among UU's best Pokemon, and this is all due in part to its great stats that allow it to perform as an offensive or defensive threat, making it very versatile. Zapdos's best set utilizes its highest stats to the fullest, with a Life Orb set that is capable of doing great damage with its decent coverage and powerful Thunderbolts, while outspeeding key threats such as Kingdra and Nidoking. Zapdos can also use its ability, Pressure, to great success with a SubRoost set that is capable of taking many powerful hits and forcing them out with a potentially threatening attack, which allows Zapdos to get up a Substitute to avoid status, Roost off any potential damage, and stall out low PP moves like Stone Edge. Zapdos also performs the role of a physically defensive and specially defensive Pokemon as well, being able to use its great bulk to take a hit from the majority of powerful attackers. Zapdos can also bolster its offensive prowess as well with Choice Specs and Agility sets, as the former allows Zapdos to hit even harder than the Life Orb set, while the latter allows Zapdos to boost its Speed to even higher levels which can make it an excellent late-game sweeper.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/zoroark.gif" alt="Zoroark" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/zoroark"><strong>Zoroark</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 60 HP / 105 Atk / 60 Def / 120 SpA / 60 SpD / 105 Spe<br />
Ability: Illusion</p>
<p>Zoroark's unique ability, Illusion, allows it to masquerade as the last member of your team, which can be useful when wanting to bait in a counter for that Pokemon to get beaten by Zoroark. This is especially useful for Fighting-types, who appreciate Zoroark's ability to bait and destroy their typical counters. While Team Preview may make you think initially that this strategy is flawed, you could be thrown through a loop and be forced to think about what Pokemon it truly is. Zoroark's terrific 105 / 120 / 105 offenses allow it to perform well as an offensive Pokemon, whether it be through a Choice Specs set that can hit very hard and cripple defensive Pokemon with Trick, an all-out attacking set, or a Nasty Plot set.</p>

oh my gosh you found me

<h2>Defensive Threats</h2>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/amoonguss.gif" alt="Amoonguss" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/amoonguss/ou"><strong>Amoonguss</strong></a><br />
Base Stats:</strong> 114 HP / 85 Atk / 70 Def / 85 SpA / 80 SpD / 30 Spe<br />
Abilities: Effect Spore / Regenerator</p>
<p>Thanks to its access to Regenerator and the rare Spore, Amoonguss can stand out among other Grass-types. Amoonguss has valuable resistances to Fighting, Electric, and Water, along with a meaty base 114 HP stat, which allows it to combat some of UU's biggest threats, such as Mienshao and Kingdra.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/blastoise.gif" alt="Blastoise" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Blastoise"><strong>Blastoise</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 79 HP / 83 Atk / 100 Def / 85 SpA / 105 SpD / 78 Spe<br />
Abilities: Torrent / Rain Dish</p>
<p>Having access to the ever useful Rapid Spin gives Blastoise an edge over other bulky Water-types that would otherwise outclass it. Blastoise is the most reliable spinner in UU, having access to moves such as Foresight and Scald to make it annoying for Ghost-types to spinblock against it. Blastoise is no set-up fodder either, with the aforementioned Scald as well as phazing moves in Roar and Dragon Tail. If you desperately need Rapid Spin support, Blastoise will usually be your best choice for the job.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/bronzong.gif" alt="Bronzong" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Bronzong"><strong>Bronzong</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 67 HP / 89 Atk / 116 Def / 79 SpA / 116 SpD / 33 Spe<br />
Abilities: Levitate / Heatproof / Heavy Metal</p>
<p>Bronzong's base 116 defenses and plethora of resistances and immunities make it a good defensive Pokemon that can take on some incredibly threatening Pokemon, such as Flygon, Weavile, and Choice Band Snorlax. Due to its great defenses and amount of opportunities to switch into threatening Pokemon, Bronzong can have many chances to set up Stealth Rock with relative ease. Bronzong also has some great movepool options, such as dual screens and Trick Room.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/claydol.gif" alt="Claydol" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Claydol"><strong>Claydol</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 60 HP / 70 Atk / 105 Def / 70 SpA / 120 Def / 75 Spe<br />
Ability: Levitate</p>
<p>Claydol's main niche in the UU tier lies in having the treasured Rapid Spin, but it is not a good user of the move. Claydol suffers from extremely low offensive prowess, which means it will struggle massively to get through any of the Ghost-types in the tier. This makes Claydol a very poor spinner in the tier, and by far the most unreliable. Claydol, despite having excellent 60 / 105 / 120 defenses, has many crippling weaknesses to Dark, Bug, Ghost, Ice, and Water attacks, which makes it even mediocre defensively. Even though Claydol has some redeeming factors in resistances to all hazards, access to Stealth Rock, and an Electric immunity, do consider Blastoise, a much better spinner, over Claydol when looking for Rapid Spin support.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/cresselia.gif" alt="Cresselia" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Cresselia"><strong>Cresselia</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 120 HP / 70 Atk / 120 Def / 75 SpA / 130 SpD / 85 Spe<br />
Ability: Levitate</p>
<p>Cresselia is among the most sturdy defensive behemoths of the tier. With great 120 / 120 / 130 bulk, Cresselia is able to stomach a huge number of attacks that UU has to offer. Cresselia has some great movepool options as well, such as Thunder Wave and dual screens, that make it a brilliant supporter for all teams. Thanks to Moonlight, Cresselia has a reliable recovery move due to the lack of weather in the tier. Cresselia's amazing bulk and support should not be neglected, as it is among the best defensive Pokemon in the tier.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/dusclops.gif" alt="Dusclops" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/dusclops"><strong>Dusclops</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 40 HP / 70 Atk / 130 Def / 60 SpA / 130 SpD / 25 Spe<br />
Ability: Pressure</p>
<p>Dusclops suffers from many fatal flaws that leave it outclassed by Cofagrigus and other Ghost-types, which are better fits on a majority of teams. Despite having titanic defenses thanks to Eviolite, Dusclops is mediocre overall because it fails to threaten much with its pathetic offenses, having to rely on Night Shade to do any damage to the opposition. However, Dusclops can fit on full stall teams, in which it can use Curse to keep Blastoise and Hitmontop from spinning away Spikes while making the spinners take a considerable amount of damage. If you are in the mood to build a UU team that isn't based around stall, consider Cofagrigus or Sableye before Dusclops, as they have more redeeming factors that make them much more fit for the majority of teams compared to Dusclops.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/empoleon.gif" alt="Empoleon" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/empoleon"><strong>Empoleon</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 84 HP / 86 Atk / 88 Def / 111 SpA / 101 SpD / 60 Spe<br />
Abilities: Torrent / Defiant</p>
<p>Empoleon's unique Water / Steel typing gives it a plethora of resistances, while a base 111 Special Attack can make Empoleon a very formidable offensive threat. Thanks to BW2, Empoleon can finally run its classic SubPetaya set with Agility, which can become a formidable sweeper once it hits its full potential with Torrent activated. Empoleon can use its slew of resistances to good use with a specially defensive set capable of easily beating all variants of Kingdra, a rare feat, as well as set up the valuable Stealth Rock. If you want a powerful Empoleon right off the bat with no set up, Choice Specs Empoleon is the set you should be using. Empoleon's true power is showcased here, as offensive Snorlax and defensive Porygon2 are cleanly 2HKOed by Hydro Pump, while Umbreon has a high chance to get 2HKOed after Stealth Rock. While Empoleon may not be the best bulky Water-type or offensive attacker, its unique traits allow it to shine when necessary.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/ferroseed.gif" alt="Ferroseed" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Ferroseed"><strong>Ferroseed</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 44 HP / 50 Atk / 91 Def / 24 SpA / 86 SpD / 10 Spe<br />
Ability: Iron Barbs</p>
<p>Ferroseed looks pathetic at first glance; with extremely poor stats across the board, it looks like a Pokemon never worth using. But with Eviolite equipped, Ferroseed can turn into a surprisingly durable Pokemon that can hold its own in a hostile metagame. Thanks to a Grass / Steel typing, Ferroseed is capable of handling some highly relevant threats, such as Rain Dance Kingdra and many Grass-types. Ferroseed, like its evolution in OU, has several great utility moves that many Pokemon lack, such as Spikes, Thunder Wave, and Leech Seed, which allows it to distinguish itself as a decent support Pokemon.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/gligar.gif" alt="Gligar" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Gligar"><strong>Gligar</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 65 HP / 75 Atk / 105 Def / 35 SpA / 65 SpD / 85 Spe<br />
Abilities: Hyper Cutter / Sand Veil / Immunity</p>
<p>Gligar's claim to fame is its ability to combat a number of the common Fighting-types in the tier courtesy of its Ground / Flying typing as well as high physical bulk. Gligar is ridiculously bulky on the physical side thanks to Eviolite, allowing it to comfortably take a wide variety of physical hits and Roost off any damage, as well as provide Stealth Rock support. This may all seem extremely appealing, but Gligar has many flaws that make it a subpar choice when looking to combat Fighting-types. Firstly, Gligar will lose to the Fighting-types its supposed to beat when up against Swords Dance Heracross, which can easily set up to +6 on Gligar, and Mienshao, which destroys Gligar with Hidden Power Ice or take advantage of it. If you desperately need something to take physical hits while setting up Stealth Rock, Gligar can work in those situations, but keep in mind that it will often not be the best Pokemon to use as your physical wall because its numerous flaws make it a mediocre Pokemon.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/golurk.gif" alt="Golurk" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Golurk"><strong>Golurk</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 89 HP / 124 Atk / 80 Def / 55 SpA / 80 Def / 55 Spe<br />
Abilities: Iron Fist / Klutz / No Guard</p>
<p>Golurk benefited plenty from BW2, gaining Stealth Rock and the elemental punches, while also benefiting from the rise of Fighting-types. Golurk's unique Ground / Ghost typing and decent bulk allows it to handle Heracross and Mienshao as well as check Electric-types, while also putting offensive pressure on the opponent with its high 124 Attack. These positive traits allow Golurk to be a valuable team supporter.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/hitmontop.gif" alt="Hitmontop" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/hitmontop"><strong>Hitmontop</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 50 HP / 95 Atk / 95 Def / 35 SpA / 110 SpD / 70 Spe<br />
Abilities: Intimidate / Technician / Steadfast</p>
<p>Hitmontop has access to the vaunted Rapid Spin that gives it a decent niche in UU. Thanks to Intimidate and overall decent defenses, Hitmontop does have a good amount of switch in opportunities to spin away hazards. While Hitmontop struggles against the majority of Ghost-types in the tier, if it can catch them on the switch with Foresight, it can manage to get a spin off. Hitmontop is a viable choice if you desperately need a spinner and if Blastoise, the better spinner of the two, has conflicting type synergy with your other Pokemon.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/mew.gif" alt="Mew" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Mew"><strong>Mew</strong></a><br />
Base Stats:100 HP / 100 Atk / 100 Def / 100 SpA / 100 SpD / 100 Spe<br />
Ability: Synchronize</p>
<p>With access to every TM and move tutor ever, Mew has an insanely large movepool that makes it among the most versatile Pokemon in the game, being able to assume any position. Mew's best set is a Nasty Plot sweeper that uses Mew's decent 100 Special Attack to be raised to destructive levels, while using its amazing coverage to wreck certain targets that could annoy its main Psychic attacks. Mew also performs the role of a Swords Dance sweeper very well, and while some may think it is outclassed by more powerful physical sweepers like Darmanitan, Mew's much better bulk compared to other physical attackers and excellent coverage makes it ridiculously good. Mew also performs the role of a defensive Pokemon as well, being a specially defensive stallbreaker that is capable of putting a damper on stall with access to Will-O-Wisp, Taunt, and Softboiled, as well as having nice utility against offensive and balanced teams, being able to beat a plethora of strong special attackers by tanking any hit and recovering lost damage. Another set that Mew uses well is a Baton Pass set that is capable of aiding many offensive Pokemon to become even more threatening. Overall, Mew's excellent versatility makes it a Pokemon that is a great pick for any team.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/milotic.gif" alt="Milotic" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/milotic"><strong>Milotic</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 95 HP / 60 Atk / 79 Def / 100 SpA / 125 SpD / 81 Spe<br />
Abilities: Marvel Scale / Cute Charm</p>
<p>BW2 UU has been the toughest metagame for Milotic to succeed in, as other bulky Water-types fill the tier with their own unique niche that leaves Milotic outclassed in many aspects. Blastoise has access to Rapid Spin, Empoleon and Swampert have unique typings, Slowbro and Slowking have Regenerator and a Fighting resistance, and Suicune is in general just much bulkier than Milotic. Milotic still has a niche, though, and that is given through its fantastic Special Defense. Its typing has advantages over the other specially bulky Water-type Slowking, granting it a neutrality to Heracross's Megahorn and Yanmega's Bug Buzz. If someone needs a decent answer to some of the tier's biggest threats, Milotic can perform that role, but if someone desires a hard counter, Milotic will not be able to perform that role as well as something else.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/porygon2.gif" alt="Porygon2" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Porygon2/ou"><strong>Porygon2</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 85 HP / 80 Atk / 90 Def / 105 SpA / 95 SpD / 60 Spe<br />
Abilities: Trace / Download / Analytic</p>
<p>Thanks to Eviolite, Porygon2 is among the bulkiest of UU Pokemon. While it may initially seem that Porygon2 needs to be a wall, Porygon2 performs best as a bulky attacker that is capable of dealing out good damage with its base 105 Special Attack. A Download or Analytic boost further makes Porygon2 threatening towards opponents, as it will hit relatively hard with a boost in hand. But if you want Porygon2 to be a more dedicated wall, it can perform that role excellently with its fantastic 85 / 90 / 95 bulk that is made immense with Eviolite while being able to recover any damage with Recover. Trace is particularly useful when using defensive Porygon2, as it can copy abilities that can benefit it like Natural Cure from Roserade, making it a fantastic utility counter.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/qwilfish.gif" alt="Qwilfish" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/qwilfish"><strong>Qwilfish</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 65 HP / 95 Atk / 75 Def / 55 SpA / 55 SpD / 85 Spe<br />
Abilities: Poison Point / Swift Swim / Intimidate</p>
<p>Qwilfish's Dream World ability, Intimidate, has made Qwilfish a nuisance to take down on the physical side thanks to its increased defenses. Thanks to its unique typing, Qwilfish is capable of walling Fighting-, Bug-, and physical Fire-types that commonly roam the tier. Qwilfish was blessed with a great support movepool which includes the valuable Spikes, Thunder Wave, Toxic Spikes, Haze, and Taunt. Spikes support is especially useful, considering that the only other defensive Spiker of the tier is Roserade, which can't take on the same threats Qwilfish does. Qwilfish can also perform as a decent suicide lead, as it is decently fast and has access to Explosion and Destiny Bond, moves other suicide leads lack.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/registeel.gif" alt="Registeel" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/registeel"><strong>Registeel</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 80 HP / 75 Atk / 150 Def / 75 SpA / 150 SpD / 50 Spe<br />
Ability: Clear Body</p>
<p>Registeel's fantastic 11 resistances thanks to its pure Steel typing makes it a solid defensive Pokemon capable of countering Raikou, Roserade, and Yanmega. Registeel also has great support options, such as Stealth Rock and Thunder Wave, which can aid a team immensely. It suffers in this metagame, though, due to its common weaknesses to Ground, Fighting, and Fire, all of which are very prevalent. Registeel also lacks reliable recovery, which attributes to its often being taken down quickly. It also has low offensive prowess, making it rely on Seismic Toss to do any significant damage, which can actually compound to it being set-up fodder for something like Calm Mind Suicune or offensive Trick Room Cofagrigus if it lacks Toxic. To top it off, Registeel also faces competition with other common Steel-types which have their own niches, such as Bronzong and Empoleon.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/sableye.gif" alt="Sableye" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Sableye/ou"><strong>Sableye</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 50 HP / 75 Atk / 75 Def / 65 SpA / 65 SpD / 50 Spe<br />
Abilities: Keen Eye / Stall / Prankster</p>
<p>Thanks to Prankster, Sableye is a very capable Pokemon in UU, with priority Will-O-Wisp, Taunt, and Recover. Combine that with its no weaknesses, and Sableye becomes an annoying Pokemon for physical attackers, set-up sweepers, and hazard setters to face when in the right hands. Sableye only got better as the metagame transitioned to BW2, being able to easily deal with common Fighting-types such as Mienshao and Scrafty, as well as not be as threatened by Heracross, which often has Moxie over Guts on its popular Choice Scarf set, allowing Sableye to easily burn it and cripple instead of benefiting it with a Guts boost. Sableye can even use Foul Play to annoy physical Fire-types that can switch into Will-O-Wisp, such as Darmanitan and Victini, and easily KO them.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/slowbro.gif" alt="Slowbro" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Slowbro/ou"><strong>Slowbro</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 95 HP / 75 Atk / 110 Def / 100 SpA / 80 SpD / 30 Spe<br />
Abilities: Oblivious / Own Tempo / Regenerator</p>
<p>Slowbro's high physical defense and ability to wall the majority of Fighting-types, physical Fire-types, and other physical attackers make it an excellent bulky Water-type. Slowbro has access to Slack Off and Regenerator, two great ways to regain health that makes it one tough Pokemon to wither down. Thanks to all of these positive traits, Slowbro performs the role of a bulky Calm Mind attacker that can patch up its weaker Special Defense and make it a substantial threat after a few boosts. Slowbro also performs being a pure defensive Water-type very well, capable of paralyzing the opposing Pokemon with Thunder Wave. Another way Slowbro can function is through the use of Choice Specs, which increases Slowbro's offensive prowess significantly and allows it to dent something relatively hard, while still retaining much of the excellent physical bulk the defensive sets have.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/slowking.gif" alt="Slowking" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Slowking/ou"><strong>Slowking</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 95 HP / 75 Atk / 80 Def / 100 SpA / 110 SpD / 30 Spe<br />
Abilities: Oblivious / Own Tempo / Regenerator</p>
<p>While Slowking may lack the physical defense that its counterpart Slowbro has, it makes up in having great Special Defense which allows it to effectively take on one of the biggest threats in the metagame in Kingdra. With minimal Attack investment, Slowking is capable of breaking Kingdra's Substitutes with a Dragon Tail, while being able to tank a +1 Outrage and check Kingdra thanks to Regenerator. Kingdra's special attacking sets, which can easily plow through Slowbro, fare much worse against Slowking, who can easily stomach a Draco Meteor and Slack Off the damage. While Slowking may have significantly lower physical defense than Slowbro, the same typing still allows it to combat some highly relevant threats such as physical Fire- and Fighting-types. Slowking's fantastic niche as a Kingdra counter cannot be ignored, as it is a defining factor that makes Slowking a great choice for teams needing to patch up a Kingdra weakness.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/suicune.gif" alt="Suicune" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Suicune"><strong>Suicune</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 100 HP / 75 Atk / 115 Def / 90 SpA / 115 SpD / 85 Spe<br />
Ability: Pressure</p>
<p>Suicune's high overall bulk, pure Water typing, and access to Calm Mind make it a great bulky sweeper. Thanks to that high bulk, Suicune can set up Calm Minds on many Pokemon, while it can Roar away opposing Pokemon that try to take advantage of Suicune's initial low offensive prowess. Suicune also can use its classic CroCune set, which forgoes Roar in favor of Sleep Talk so that Suicune is not deadweight when asleep, while still using that terrific bulk to its advantage. If you want a harder hitting Suicune, though, it can perform the role of an offensive Calm Mind set well, hitting relatively hard with Hydro Pumps while still having decent bulk to boot.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/swampert.gif" alt="Swampert" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Swampert"><strong>Swampert</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 100 HP / 110 Atk / 90 Def / 85 SpA / 90 SpD / 60 Spe<br />
Abilities: Torrent / Damp</p>
<p>Swampert truly thrives in UU nowadays, thanks to its great Water / Ground typing that allows it to combat Raikou and Zapdos as well as physical Fire-types without too much trouble. Swampert's well rounded bulk, ability to handle extremely threatening Pokemon without much issue, and access to some great support moves such as Stealth Rock and Roar allows it to perform the role of a defensive tank very well. Swampert's often-overlooked base 110 Attack can shine in the correct times when utilizing Choice Band and offensive tank variants of Swampert. Swampert is definitely a top-tier defensive Pokemon that is capable of fitting on any team because of its unique traits.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/tangrowth.gif" alt="Tangrowth" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/tangrowth"><strong>Tangrowth</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 100 HP / 100 Atk / 125 Def / 110 SpA / 50 SpD / 50 Spe<br />
Abilities: Chlorophyll / Leaf Guard / Regenerator</p>
<p>While Tangrowth receives massive competition from Amoonguss as a bulky Grass-type, its fantastic physical bulk and good Special Attack allows it to perform as a strong Choice Specs attacker that can pivot into certain physical attackers and hit brutally hard with a Choice Specs-boosted Leaf Storm or incapacitate its counters with a Sleep Powder. With an amazing ability in Regenerator, Tangrowth also has great lasting power.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/umbreon.gif" alt="Umbreon" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/umbreon"><strong>Umbreon</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 95 HP / 65 Atk / 110 Def / 60 SpA / 130 SpD / 65 Spe<br />
Abilities: Synchronize / Inner Focus</p>
<p>Umbreon is the best dedicated special wall in the tier, with its high special bulk and great support movepool that includes Wish and Heal Bell. Wish and cleric support are rare things to come by in the tier, and Umbreon is among the best to provide that support. What makes Umbreon really great, though, is its access to Foul Play, which makes up for Umbreon's lack of offensive prowess. Foul Play dents the majority of the tier a great deal, while able to do surprising damage to frailer Fighting-types like Mienshao. If you need cleric and Wish support, or just in general a great special wall, Umbreon is a fantastic option for your team.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/uxie.gif" alt="Uxie" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/uxie"><strong>Uxie</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 75 HP / 75 Atk / 130 Def / 75 SpA / 130 SpD / 95 Spe<br />
Ability: Levitate</p>
<p>Uxie is often shunned in favor of Mew and Cresselia when competing as a defensive Psychic-type. Uxie does have some tricks up its sleeves, though. With access to great support moves such as dual screens, Stealth Rock, Memento, Thunder Wave, Rain Dance, Sunny Day, and Trick Room, Uxie can effortlessly support your team well. Uxie's great 75 / 130 / 130 bulk along with a great Fighting resistance opens up plenty of opportunities to use one of its support move options.</p>
<p><img src="/dex/media/sprites/bw/178.gif" alt="Xatu" /><br />
<a href="/bw/pokemon/Xatu/ou"><strong>Xatu</strong></a><br />
Base Stats: 65 HP / 75 Atk / 70 Def / 95 SpA / 70 SpD / 95 Spe<br />
Abilities: Synchronize / Early Bird / Magic Bounce</p>
<p>Xatu's Dream World ability, Magic Bounce, allows it to bounce back any non-attacking move, but most importantly, entry hazards. Xatu can also keep momentum for any offensive team with access to U-turn, while supplying some utility with access to moves like Thunder Wave. If Xatu is on the wrong end of the battle against a Stealth Rock setter, it can Roost any lost damage if it's not KOed yet. Xatu will only truly shine if you don't want to run a Rapid Spin user while maintaining a good amount of momentum for offensive teams.</p>